EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — Ayaka Furue of Japan made a late charge to win the Evian Championship with an eagle on the last hole to clinch her first major title on Sunday. The 24-year-old Furue held her nerve with another clinical putt, having made three birdies in the previous four holes to finish on 19 under overall after posting a 6-under 65. Furue placed one stroke ahead of Australian Stephanie Kyriacou (67), the overnight leader, and two ahead of Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit — who made a superb 63 to move into contention for her second major.
American Lauren Coughlin (69) finished four shots behind Furue in fourth place. Heading to the 18th hole Furue and Kyriacou were level at 17 under with Tavatanakit, who was already in the clubhouse. Furue teed off well and found the fairway but Kyriacou’s shot swerved left into the rough.
Furue found the green with her second shot, giving her a championship shot and, moments later, she was doused with Champagne. Her previous best performance at a major was fourth at Evian in 2021. “I am so honoured to be the winner,” Furue said.
“I didn’t believe that I could get a major win, so I am so happy right now.” It was only her second title on the LPGA Tour, the other coming at the Women’s Scottish Open in 2022 when she rallied from a four-shot deficit. The 23-year-old Kyriacou, who birdied the 18th, also secured her best result.
Her previous best was a tie for seventh at the Women’s British Open two years ago. “It suc.
