Comeback queen: Tiffany Chan in dramatic play-off victory at Hong Kong Ladies Open

Tiffany Chan held her nerve to pull off the greatest result in the history of Hong Kong women’s golf by winning the Hong Kong Ladies Open in dramatic fashion at Fanling on Sunday.

The 22-year-old amateur from Tuen Mun, who joined the Hong Kong Golf Club earlier this year, staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Thailand’s Kanphanitnan Muangkhumsakul on the first play-off hole after the pair had tied at five-under 211 through three rounds of regulation play over the Old Course.

Chan, who had earlier holed a 12-foot birdie putt on the final green to force sudden death, made a solid par after her opponent drove out of bounds to claim her second victory in a professional event – and boost her hopes of qualifying for the elite 60-woman field at the Olympics Games this summer.

“I’m so emotional and I can’t express how happy I am right now,” said the University of Southern California student, who is expected to move into the top 10 of the world amateur rankings. “I’m so thankful for the support I’ve had. To win on my home course makes it all the more special. Without the support I’ve had today I don’t think I could have done it.”

Chan, who trailed overnight leader Pan Yen-ling, of Taiwan, by two strokes, looked to have blown her chances after failing to convert birdie opportunities at the 16th and 17th holes. But her last-gasp putt at the 18th, which was met with a thunderous roar from the large number of spectators who had gathered greenside, gave her the momentum – and the belief – she needed heading into the play-off.

“I wasn’t putting the way I wanted,” said Chan, who had Hong Kong international Steven Lam caddying for her throughout the week. “I missed a few short putts during the round but on the 18th I knew I had to make it.