Did Aditi Ashok's Performance at the Evian Championship Fall Short as Australian Grace Kim Emerges Victorious?

Aix-Les-Bains (France), July 14 (NationPress) Aditi Ashok concluded her journey at the Evian Championship with a disappointing final round, scoring a 2-over 73, which brought her total to 5-under 279, placing her in T-28th.

This marks Aditi's second-best finish at the Evian, following her T-17 finish in 2024. She started strong with nine consecutive pars but faltered with four bogeys in a row, which dashed her hopes for a Top-10 finish after starting the day tied for T-12. Although she salvaged her round with birdies on the 17th and 18th holes, it was insufficient to elevate her standings.

In contrast, Grace Kim from Australia celebrated her first major victory at the Evian Championship, triumphing over world number two Jeeno Thitikul in a thrilling playoff at the Evian Resort Golf Club.

Aditi was the sole Indian participant this week, while Diksha Dagar narrowly missed qualification but is set to compete in the AIG Women’s Open later this month.

Both Kim and Thitikul began the day tied for third and posted impressive final rounds of 67 (-4). Thitikul maintained the lead for most of the day, aided by two birdies on the front nine, but Kim's eagle finish forced a playoff.

During the first playoff hole at 18, Kim encountered trouble in the water, seemingly sealing her fate, yet she astoundingly chipped in for a birdie, arguably the highlight of her career. The excitement continued as they returned to the 18th for another playoff hole, where Kim sealed her victory with a second eagle putt.

Kim took home a prize of USD 1.2 million despite feeling unwell throughout the week, pushing through the discomfort to secure the championship.

At just 24 years of age, Kim became the third consecutive player to earn her first major at the Evian Resort Golf Club, joining the ranks of Ayaka Furue and Celine Boutier.

Thitikul, who led for a significant portion of the day, ended in second place after an impressive bogey-free final round with four birdies.

One shot behind was Lottie Woad, the amateur world number one, who delivered a remarkable final round to finish tied for third alongside three-time major champion Minjee Lee.

Woad entered the tournament as a sponsor invite and has now earned 20 points in the LEAP programme, giving her the opportunity to pursue LPGA membership – a first through this new pathway.

Tied for fifth place were Americans Angel Yin and Andrea Lee, both finishing at 12-under-par. Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn and Ireland’s Leona Maguire followed closely behind in T7.

England’s Cara Gainer, who led overnight, finished in T14 after 72 holes.

The LET will take a week off before heading to Scotland for the Scottish Open at Dundonald Links from July 24-27.