Lydia Ko completes ‘Cinderella-like story’ with Women’s Open victory after Olympic gold in Paris

Lydia Ko completed what she called a “Cinderella-like story” as she clinched the Women’s Open at St. Andrews on Sunday, just a few weeks after winning Olympic gold in Paris.

Lydia Ko completed what she called a “Cinderella-like story” as she clinched the Women’s Open at St. Andrews on Sunday, just a few weeks after winning Olympic gold in Paris. The 27-year-old from New Zealand carded a three-under 69 in her final round, including a birdie on the final hole, to finish on seven-under after her four rounds and claim her third major title as well as $1.425 million in winnings. Ko finished two shots ahead of four players – world No. 1 Nelly Korda, Yin Ruoning, defending champion Lilia Vu and Shin Ji-yai – who all tied for second. “It’s pretty surreal,” Ko said in her trophy presentation ceremony. “Winning the gold medal in Paris a few weeks ago, it was almost too good to be true. “And obviously heading into the weekend, I was in contention and I said: ‘How is it possible for me to win The Open?’ I’ve had the most Cinderella-like story these past few weeks and this is almost too good to be true. “And of all the major championships, I think this one I had the least amount of confidence just because I haven’t had as much experience playing on links [courses] and the results didn’t follow either. But to be holding this trophy right now, I can’t believe it.”