Ai Miyazato came up short in her bid to defend the LPGA Lotte Championship title on Saturday, finishing tied for sixth as overnight leader Suzann Pettersen beat Lizette Salas in a playoff for her first win of the season.
Miyazato started the day three shots adrift of Pettersen in third place, but she was unable to muster a final-round charge, carding an even-par 72 with four birdies and as many bogeys to wrap up the tournament at 11-under 277.
"My putts wouldn't go down," said Miyazato, who got off to a strong start with a birdie on her first hole, but was pegged back with bogeys at Nos. 4 and 8.
"I couldn't continue making birdies after the first hole and that was the reason I could not get involved in the race for the title. Still, as last year's winner, I think I was able to put up a fight and this week has given me confidence."