Photo: DR

The 19-year-old Los Angeles native saved the Par after finding the water hazard on the last hole in a final 67-bogey-less lap to match the (-15) set by In-Kyung Kim and Céline Herbin.

The Frenchwoman finished 2nd in the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic, the last tournament of the season on the European circuit, just ahead of world No.8 In-Kyung Kim, co-piloted by Axel Bettan. Céline Herbin pocketed 31 euros thanks to her 805nd place and finished 2rd in the European Order of Merit, with
40 points.

Yin, who had an average shot of 252 yards, as well as Kim's birdie on the first extra hole (the 18th) to stay in the race as the Céline Herbin was eliminated after her third shot landed in the hazard of water. A Birdie on the second playoff hole (232 meters) saw Yin decide the outcome of the match as the South Korean missed her birdie in the tournament's first playoff since its first edition in 2006.

"I feel incredibly good. In fact, it's my first professional victory in a major, so it's important for me ”, Yin said, delighted, after receiving the winner's trophy from Hend Bilselah and Walid Al Attar from Emirates Global Aluminum.

“It's been a long week and I'm happy to be here in Dubai for the second time. I had a great time last year and I'm happy to be here again ”said Yin, who tied for 10th in the event in 2017.

“Two days ago I went to the Dubai Mall aquarium and today I'm going to see penguins with my friends - yes! I loved the course and it was impeccable ”said the rising star who became the second American after Lexi Thompson to win the closing round of the Ladies European Tour.

Céline Herbin, who completed a final lap of 64, was not too disappointed to be eliminated with a double bogey on the 18th hole after finding the water with her third shot.

She said: “I mean, it was really a bonus for me in this playoff game today. It was an impressive lap for me, my personal best -8 and I had nine birdies. I really enjoyed this day. »

"Jplayed really well, but I spent a little too much time without playing. I finished earlier and lost a little bit of pace I would say. I could feel it on the driver and even the iron-7. "

Yesterday's leader Anne Van Dam drew a final round of 71 and finished two shots behind in fourth place, with Aditi Ashok, Charley Hull and Pernilla Lindberg tied for fifth.