Carlota Ciganda has ended her nine-year wait for an LPGA Tour victory by winning the Meijer LPGA Classic in Michigan. The Spanish golfer finished one stroke ahead of Choi Hye-jin, carding a five-under-par 67 in the final round to finish at 16 under overall. Ciganda birdied the final two holes at the Blythefield Country Club, overcoming a bogey at the 17th that proved costly for her South Korean competitor.

Ciganda, 35, whose previous two wins on the LPGA Tour came within a month of each other in October and November 2016, expressed her joy after the win: "It feels amazing, obviously, after all these years. I knew I could do it, but once the years keep going and you start getting older, you start doubting yourself."

Starting the final round in a six-way tie for the lead, Ciganda also held off Somi Lee, who finished third at 14 under. Meanwhile, Lexi Thompson finished on 13 under alongside Celine Boutier and Nanna Koerstz Madsen after dropping shots on the 16th and 17th holes. England's Bronte Law was in a tie for seventh on 12 under.

Ciganda, who has also won eight times on the Ladies European Tour, added: "I love coming here. It reminds me of where I'm from in the northern part of Spain. Very similar. Lots of trees, peaceful. I love the golf course. Five par fives, you can hit it hard here."

This victory marks a significant milestone in Ciganda's career, reaffirming her place among the top golfers on the LPGA Tour.