All-American women's final in New Jersey
Juli Inkster and Brittany Lincicome were set face off in an all-American final at the HSBC Women’s World Matchplay Championship at Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, New Jersey.
In contrasting semi-finals, Inkster crushed 19-year-old American Paula Creamer by 5 & 4, while Lincicome, who had beaten the 16-year-old number two seed Michelle Wie in the quarter-finals, edged out number three seed Lorena Ochoa with a 25-foot birdie putt at the first extra hole.
Two up with six to play against the Mexican who has won twice and is the leading money winner on the tour this year, Lincicome looked to be heading out when she lost the 13th, 14th and 16th to suddenly find herself one down.
But a par at the short 17th brought her back to level and the lengthy putt at the first extra hole put her into the final.
Inkster, who had knocked out Annika Sorenstam in the quarter-finals, was in outstanding form, and did not allow 19-year-old Creamer to win one hole. The 46-year-old seven-time major winner was six under par for the 14 holes.
The winner of the final will receive more than €390,100, with approximately €231,100 for the runner-up.
