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Kiwi Ko dazzles with seven-shot LPGA win

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Lydia Ko notched a dazzling seven-shot win at the Lotte Championship in Hawaii, finishing 28 under.
Camera IconLydia Ko notched a dazzling seven-shot win at the Lotte Championship in Hawaii, finishing 28 under. Credit: AP

Former world No.1 Lydia Ko has returned to her imperious best with a runaway seven-stroke victory in the LPGA Tour Lotte Championship in Hawaii.

The 23-year-old New Zealander posted her first victory in three years in style, shooting a second straight seven-under 65 to win with a 28 under total - the third-lowest in tour history.

It's just her second success since she claimed her 14th LPGA title in 2019 when still a teenager.

She has switched coaches and caddies multiple times since seeking to recapture her magic, getting back to better form this year under coach Sean Foley.

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"When you're in that position (to win) and it doesn't happen, you do doubt," Ko told Gold Channel.

"If I said, no, I didn't doubt myself at all, that would be a lie. Hand on my heart, there were times when I wondered, 'Hey, I don't know if I'm ever going to be back in the winner's circle.'

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"To be back in this kind of position is obviously super cool."

Ko started the final day with a one-shot lead but romped away with a bogey-free closing round including seven birdies to win from Inbee Park (63), Nelly Korda (71), Sei Young Kim (65) and Leona Maguire (67) who all tied for second.

Australia's Hannah Green tied for 12th at 17 under after a closing 68, while compatriot Su Oh (67) tied 27th.

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