Golf: Teen sensation Thompson wins in Dubai

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Golf: Teen sensation Thompson wins in Dubai

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American teenager Lexi Thompson won the Dubai Ladies Masters by four strokes.

18 December,2011 01:37 am

American teenager Lexi Thompson has made history as the youngest winner on both the LPGA and Ladies European Tours.The 16-year-old Thompson shot a 5-under 67 Saturday to win the Dubai Ladies Masters, becoming the youngest professional winner on that side of the Atlantic.Thompson pulled away from Lee-Anne Pace of South Africa to win by four strokes for her second professional victory. In September, she became the youngest winner of an LPGA tournament at the Navistar LPGA Classic in Alabama.It feels amazing, Thompson said. Im just honored they invited me back and Im just grateful to be here. Ive been working on my game really hard and it has paid off.Thompson chipped in for a birdie on No. 9 to take a one-shot lead over Pace and extended her lead with four birdies on the back nine for a 15-under 273 total.Pace (69) started strong with two birdies and an eagle on her first six holes, but shaky putting on the back nine ended her chances.The 2010 European Tour money winner, Pace hit her approach shot on No. 12 over the green for her second bogey in five holes.Things could have been a little different, Pace said. I hit a bad club on 12, which cost me a shot, and that is where things changed around.Sophie Gustafson of Sweden (71) was a shot behind Pace in third place followed by four players another shot back.Michelle Wie (72) came into the final round five shots behind leader Thompson. She fell out of contention with two bogeys and a double-bogey on the front nine, finishing tied for 12th.