Japan's Kuwaki claims Women's Open title after thrilling playoff win

Aug 2 : Japan's Shiho Kuwaki claimed her first major title by defeating Germany's Esther Henseleit in a playoff to win the Women's Open at Royal Lytham on Sunday.Kuwaki and Henseleit finished regulation play tied at five under par after the German holed a lengthy birdie putt on the 18th to force extra holes.American Yealimi Noh, who had held the overnight lead and started the day strongly, finished third at four under.Kuwaki sealed victory on the second playoff hole, after Henseleit missed her par attempt and tapped in for bogey, becoming the second Japanese champion of the tournament in succession, after Miyu Yamashita. After beginning the day among the chasing pack, Kuwaki steadily climbed into contention as Noh began to feel the pressure. She moved into a share of the lead with a birdie