PHOENIX – Yani Tseng lost her Rolex world No. 1 ranking Sunday.
After 109 consecutive weeks atop the world, Tseng left the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup knowing her reign was ending with Stacy Lewis finishing off a victory and taking over as the world’s new No. 1.
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Tseng wasn’t crestfallen with the news. She was magnanimous and determined.
“I’m happy for Stacy,” Tseng said. “It’s good for American golf. Stacy deserves it.”
Tseng, 23, ascended to No. 1 on Feb. 14, 2011. She was the sixth player to do so since the Rolex rankings were created in 2006. Her reign was second only to Lorena Ochoa, who held the top spot for 158 weeks.
“I think maybe going back to No. 2 is good for me,” Tseng said. “I’ve been there before. I know how to get to No. 1, and maybe next week I win. You never know.”
Tseng will be the defending champ next week at the Kia Classic. It’s the last title she has won anywhere. She was also the defending champ at the Founders Cup this week. She closed with a 70 and finished tied for 59th.
“I just want to play good golf,” Tseng said. “It doesn’t matter where I’m ranked. Even though I didn’t win, I really enjoyed this week. I’m grateful to all the fans who came out to watch us play.”
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Tags: Yani Tseng, Stacy Lewis
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Mell, a senior writer, is a 30-year veteran and covers the PGA and LPGA tours for Golf Channel.
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