Australia's Minjee Lee and Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit came agonisingly close to becoming the first international winner of the Hana Financial Group Championship on Sunday, but they suffered a heartbreaking defeat in a three-way playoff against home star Lee Da-yeon.
Da-yeon outlasted Minjee with a birdie on the third extra hole at Bear's Best Cheongna Golf Club, forcing the latter to settle for her second runner-up finish in the KRW1.5 billion event.
Patty was the first to be eliminated during the playoff at the par-four 18th after she could only score a bogey. The title might have been Minjee's, but she missed a short crucial winning par-putt on the second hole.
The contest continued to the third extra hole where Da-yeon ultimately prevailed with a superb 20-footer to claim her eighth title of her KLPGA Tour career.
“I just had one thing in my mind when I stepped up to take the birdie putt. Regardless of whether it goes into the hole, I just needed to believe in myself that I can do it. I was nervous but I have been sinking several long putts today, so I was also quietly confident,” said Da-yeon.
When asked about pitting herself against LPGA players like Patty and Minjee in the playoff, Da-yeon said: “I tried not to think about it too much in the playoff, I just thought of them as the same players who were playing extra holes with me.
“The most awkward thing was that they spoke English. I played in the same group with Patty during the third round, so I learned a lot about how she approaches the course and her style of play.”

Minjee, who finished runner-up in 2021, was aiming for consecutive victories after coming to Korea fresh from her ninth LPGA Tour win at the Queen Kroger City Championship just two weeks prior.
She had a chance to seal another victory in the second playoff hole but missed her par putt from five feet and was forced to return to the 18^th tee again where she eventually finished second best against Da-yeon.
Despite her playoff defeat, Patty remains confident of her game. Her solo third-place finish marks a significant improvement from her tie for 42nd place last year.
"It was a pretty solid week, really happy with my game," said Patty.
"There were lots of up and down, but I grinded it out and put myself in a good position all week which was encouraging to see."
 Da Yeon, Min Jee, and Patty closed with 69, 70, and 68, respectively earlier the day, finishing at the top of the leaderboard on matching eight-under-par 280 total for the tournament.
Jaravee Boonchant of Thailand could not mount a strong challenge on the final day, carding a 74 to tie for 29th with a score of 290. Bianca Pagdanganan of the Philippines signed off with a 75 to end her week tied for 37th with a 293 total.
"I didn't finish the way I wanted to and I struggled a bit with ball-striking. Even though I gave myself opportunities, I couldn't capitalise on them," said Bianca.
"Despite it all, there are many positives, and I see improvements in areas I've been working on. It's rewarding to see my efforts paying off, and with persistence, I believe everything will come together. 

The Hana Financial Group Championship, as the sole KLPGA Tour event to feature a host of international competitors, has once again proven to be a success.
"This year's Hana Financial Group Championship showcased numerous domestic and international star players from women's golf. We're delighted with the excellent weather, which has allowed fans to enjoy Korea's premier fall golf festival," said a Hana Financial Group spokesperson.
"We aim to bridge K-Golf and global fans, offering them an opportunity to relish the head-to-head competitions between players from Korea and the LPGA.
"Hana Financial Group is keen on seeing participants grow by competing against the KLPGA Tour and world-class players. We remain committed to championing the evolution of women's golf in Korea and Asia."