South Korean Ji birdies last to win U.S. Open

By Larry Fine

BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania (Reuters) - Ji Eun-hee of South Korea rolled in a 20-foot birdie putt on the last hole to win the U.S. Women's Open for her maiden championship title on Sunday.

The 23-year-old Ji's downhill putt completed an even-par 71 for a level-par 284 total which beat Candie Kung of Taiwan by one stroke.

"I was extremely nervous before that last putt," Ji told a television interviewer after thrusting her arms up in triumph on the last green.

Kung, who began the day five strokes behind overnight leader Cristie Kerr, fired a two-under-par 69 for 285.

"I was very proud of myself shooting red numbers at the U.S. Open," said 27-year-old Kung, who finished 68-69 to overcome a second-round 77.

Kerr, the 2007 champion who led after the second and third rounds, had trouble avoiding the rough and finally relinquished the lead when her four-foot par putt at the 13th lipped out.

The American had a two-shot lead over playing partner Ji at the start and extended her advantage to three early in the round before erratic ball-striking caught up with her.

"I'm obviously disappointed," said 31-year-old Kerr, who hit only eight fairways. "I couldn't even hit the fairway with the seven-iron on 15. Obviously I was a little bit off."

Kerr registered 75 to finish on 286, tied with South Korean Kim In-kyung, who shot 70.

American Brittany Lincicome, winner of the year's first major, the Kraft Nabisco, was a short further back after shooting a closing 70.

Tied for sixth on 288 were Suzann Pettersen of Norway (71), Ai Miyazato of Japan (69) and American Paula Creamer, who bounced back from a third-round 79 to shoot 69.

DOUBLE BOGEY

Ji overcame a double bogey at the 10th which looked like it might derail her bid.

She tried to drive the green at the short par-four and found a greenside bunker. Ji blasted out into another bunker before finally exiting into thick rough.

She then birdied the 13th from two feet and drained a 45-footer to birdie 14 to negate the double bogey.