In a stunning conclusion to the AIG Women's Open, Shiho Kuwaki emerged victorious in a playoff against Esther Henseleit, following an extraordinary finale at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Kuwaki overcame a three-shot deficit to force a playoff, where she ultimately outlasted Henseleit to claim Japan's second consecutive title in the tournament. Yealimi Noh, who had led by three shots going into the final round, carded three bogeys in a five-hole stretch and finished third, while Charley Hull and Lottie Woad failed to mount a late challenge for a home victory. Kuwaki's win marked the biggest of her career, earning her a $1.5m (£1.1m) prize, and she expressed her disbelief and pride in following in the footsteps of fellow Japanese player Miyu Yamashita's win last year.