Liang Yi-Ling (梁宜羚) carded an even par 72 to win the 2015 KENDA Tires TLPGA Open by one shot at 1-over-par 217. This is Liang’s first victory on the TLPGA Tour, earning her a champion check worth NT$800,000 with an additional cash prize of NT$200,000 from local businesses for a home victor.

“I was really not expecting this. Before this tournament, I set myself a goal to reach the top 10,” said the 23-year-old Taiwanese. “I thought it would be great enough if I can get the top-10 bonus prize, but at the end this is where I am. It feels amazing.”

Coming back from three shots down to start the day, Chien Pei-Yun (錢珮芸) made the turn already on the 3rd hole when she scored her third straight birdie whereas Liang made a bogey. However, on the back nine, the momentum shifted back in Liang’s favor as she made three birdies in a span of four holes from 12th to 15th.

“I knew it was going to be really close, which made me very nervous,” said Liang, who turned professional in 2013. “I was even turning around trying not to see the leaderboard after I finished the 14th with a birdie. I was worried it would distract me.”

“But then, just when I came up to the last tee, I realized I held a two-shot lead,” Liang continued. “I was still so nervous. I could not stop shaking.” Liang ended up three-putting with a final-hole bogey but it was just enough.

Chien closed with a birdie which gave her a solo second position, the fourth second-place finish in her career, winning her a NT$450,000 check. She has seven birdies in the low-round 2-under 70 to finish at 218.

“I’m so thankful that I got the continuous support from my sponsors, all the coaches, and of course my friends and families,” said a teary Liang. “I still couldn’t believe it right now. I’m very grateful for the win here and I will take this confidence with me and move forward.”

Chen I-Wen (陳依妏) was solo third as the Taiwanese posted a final-round 1-under par 71 to finish at two shots back.

Overnight co-leader, Thailand’s Thanuttra Boonraksasat (75), first-round leader Tsai Pei-Ying (蔡佩穎) (70), Yeh Hsin-Ning (葉欣寧) (71), and Cyna Rodriguez (73) of Philippines sit equal fourth at 220.

Taiwan’s Wu Yi-Ching (伍以晴) was the top amateur after finishing with a round of 78 and seven strokes back.

Kenda ambassador and current TLPGA Tour number one Kuo Ai-Chen (郭艾榛) failed to mount a comeback and wrapped up in a tie for 27th at 226.