World News Gallant Aussie Steph Kyriacou denied maiden golf major Blog

Australian golf prodigy Steph Kyriacou narrowly missed out on his first major title in a dramatic finale at the Evian Championship in France.

Kyriacou led by one stroke with two holes to play, but then watched as Ayaka Furue buried her mental demons with an astonishing finish to claim her long-overdue first major title.

The Japanese winner made three birdies in a row from holes 14 to 16 on Sunday before sinking a brilliant eagle on the final hole to beat Kyriacou by one stroke.

Furue looked to be at the end of her rope after trailing three shots at the start of the back nine, but ended up playing the final five holes at five under par and finishing the final round with a six under 65. While the 24-year-old is enjoying the biggest moment of her career, Kyriacou will likely have nightmares about letting a golden opportunity slip away because of just one mistake.

The 23-year-old was one shot ahead when she teed off on the penultimate hole, but her chip shot was botched after her approach shot on 17 was too short, allowing Furue to tie with a birdie.

The inspired Japanese player then denied Kyriacou the chance to force a playoff with her crazy eagle at the end.

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