Atthaya Thitikul defeated Minami Katsu in a fierce fight to win Buick LPGA Shanghai.

The dramatic showdown at Shanghai's Qizhong Garden Golf Club became the stage for Thai world number one female golfer Atthaya "Jeeno" Thitikul to prove herself. Not only chasing scores, she also conquered the shadow of past failures.

The Buick LPGA Shanghai tournament witnessed how a true champion rose from disappointment. A month prior, Jeeno endured a bitter moment – a four-putt on the final hole at the Kroger Queen City Championship that snatched away her title chance. But this time she arrived with different resolve.

"What happened at the previous tournament was still on my mind. But proving myself again at this event feels like a dream come true, and now I no longer carry that weight on my shoulders," said Atthaya, quoted from the LPGA official website.

The journey to victory wasn't easy. Jeeno trailed Japan's Minami Katsu by four strokes at one point, with Katsu delivering an outstanding performance while hunting her maiden LPGA win.

Yet Atthaya displayed champion mentality. From holes 14 to 17, she scored three birdies and a spectacular eagle on the 17th hole, leveling the score.

Both finished 72 holes at a sensational 24-under par – Jeeno with 63 (nine under par), Katsu with 65 (seven under par). The match proceeded to a playoff.

On the 18th hole played three times consecutively, both kept recording pars, as if neither would surrender. Spectators held their breath. Every swing felt decisive.

Finally, at the fifth playoff hole – the course's 10th hole – the turning point came. Katsu's short shot failed to reach the green.

Jeeno seized the opportunity instantly. With a short iron shot landing just four feet from the hole, she secured birdie after Katsu failed her chip from off the green. The Buick LPGA Shanghai belonged to her.

This victory marks Atthaya's second title this season after the Mizuho Americas Open, and her sixth career LPGA Tour trophy.

She also became the first golfer to claim multiple wins on the 2025 LPGA Tour, cementing her dominance as golf's world queen.

Behind them, world number four Minjee Lee of Australia finished third at 19-under par after scoring four birdies in the final five holes.

For Atthaya, this triumph transcends mere silverware – it's a story of resilience. From the pain of the previous tournament, she transformed into a symbol of toughness.