Goyang: The fourth-seeded Australia team emerged victorious against the No. 1 seed United States, clinching the International Crown at the New Korea Country Club in Goyang, situated on the northwestern outskirts of Seoul. This victory marked Australia's first title at the biennial LPGA match-play event.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Australians secured a 2 1/2-1/2 win in the final round, marking the fifth edition of the International Crown with its fifth distinct champion. Previously, Spain, the U.S., South Korea, and Thailand had claimed the title in past competitions.
During the final, Australia demonstrated dominance by winning both of its singles matches and achieving a tie in the foursome match, where two golfers per side alternated turns hitting the same ball until completing the hole. Minjee Lee emerged victorious against Angel Yin with a score of 2 and 1 in the first singles match. Lee initially took the lead with a birdie on the ninth hole, only for Yin to equalize with a long birdie putt on the following hole. The match remained competitive, with each player seizing and relinquishing the lead until Lee secured victory by saving par on the 17th hole.
Hannah Green secured the title for Australia by defeating Yealimi Noh 2 and 1 in the second singles match. Green displayed strong performance by winning three consecutive holes from the fourth, thanks to her birdies. Despite Noh's efforts to reduce Green's lead, Green maintained her advantage, ultimately fending off the American with a decisive birdie on the 17th hole.
In the foursome match, Stephanie Kyriacou and Grace Kim contributed a half point for Australia by tying with the U.S. pair Lilia Vu and Lauren Coughlin. The U.S. team initially took the lead, but the Australians managed to level the match, and it concluded with a tie after the U.S. team eagled the 17th hole.
Minjee Lee, a Korean Australian star and winner of three LPGA majors, earned the MVP title of the tournament. The International Crown featured teams from seven countries, including Australia, the U.S., Thailand, China, Japan, Sweden, and host South Korea, alongside a new World Team comprising players from countries not already qualified. Despite South Korea's efforts, they finished third in Pool B, missing out on the semifinals for the second consecutive tournament.