It was the Japanese Nasa Hataoka, who won with an excellent 64 in the LPGA Classic Marathon, suspended after three laps due to unplayable weather conditions. Very good finish by Céline Boutier who finished 28th, with a sumptuous 64 to finish. Perrine Delacour, the best Frenchwoman in the ranking is 22nd.

LPGA Classic Marathon: Hataoka winner, Perrine Delacour 22nd

Nasa Hataoka - © LPGA

The 2021 LPGA Classic Marathon was shortened to 54 holes after a full day of rain that made the course unplayable. Japan's Nasa Hataoka, who held a six-stroke lead after three rounds, was named the winner, securing her fourth victory on the LPGA Tour.

“I know everyone is working very, very hard trying to play a 72 hole tournament. I would have liked to be able to do it, but with this weather it was really difficult ”, Hataoka said. “I'm happy to have been able to win. "

Americans Elizabeth Szokol and Mina Harigae are tied for second at -13, the two players achieving the best results of their careers on the LPGA Tour. Germany's Esther Henseleit was fourth in solo at -12, while Yuka Saso, Amy Yang, Austin Ernst and Caroline Masson are tied for fifth at -11. Defending champion Danielle Kang is tied for ninth at -10.

The Japanese NASA Hataoka, in the lead at -19 after three rounds therefore won this tournament without having played the last round with a substantial lead of six strokes over the first chaser.

Blue side

Céline Boutier on this third and final lap was particularly fit. La Francilienne did not do in the lace by signing a sublime card of 64 (-7). With a bogey at 1, she then gave herself a spectacular series of six birdies before adding two more on her return. Thanks to this good performance, she climbed to -7 in total in 28th position.

Very good third lap also for Perrine Delacour,  who finished 22nd the best French in the standings, who with an excellent 67 (-4) ahead of her compatriot by a point to -8 total. Finally Celine Herbin had more difficulties on Saturday, with an ultimate card of 72 (+1) which pushed him back to 50th position on the leaderboard.

The LPGA Classic Marathon was initially suspended at 9 a.m. after all players had started their rounds. The LPGA Tour and its on-site meteorologist have been monitoring weather conditions throughout the day and the course conditions have never improved enough to allow the game to resume. The forecast for Monday also calls for more rain and thunderstorms in the region. Toledo region.

“Our initial forecast was for constant rain in the morning, but clearer conditions afterwards. Unfortunately, the clouds got stuck above our heads and the rain never stopped enough to allow us to return to normal playing conditions on the course ”said Sue Witters, vice president of rules and competitions for the LPGA Tour. “Our first priority is always to finish four and while we were hoping to be able to do it on Monday, the weather forecast was unfavorable again after 11am. "

“We wish we could have played four rounds, but we are grateful to the players and our partners in the LPGA Classic Marathon for their patience on a very difficult day. We are also incredibly grateful to Superintendent Greg Pattinson and the Soils Team at Highland Meadows for their phenomenal work all week and especially in today's difficult conditions. "

The last LPGA Tour competition to be reduced to 54 holes was the 2020 Cambia Portland Classic, which was affected by wildfires in the Pacific Northwest.

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