Daniel Beats Young Pals at Vancouver

Beth Daniel won a one-stroke victory in eight years at the Canadian Women`s Open on Sunday.

The victory came out in the final fourth round of the Canadian Open, US LPGA Tour, held yesterday in Vancouver, Canada. Daniel birdied the final two holes in rainy conditions for a 4-under 68 and a one-stroke victory over Juli Inkster at the Canadian Women`s Open on Sunday.

"Really tough so far. Never lost the belief in myself. I believe I could win again. I just felt too clam this time. I didn`t know why. So, I could do my best until the last minute," said Daniel.

Daniel and Inkster were neck and neck in the champions group.

Daniel and Inkster -- both LPGA and World Hall of Fame members -- started the day tied at 9 under and battled for 18 holes. Daniel birdied the first and third holes to take a two-stroke lead, but missed makable birdie putts on the 10th and 11th holes to give Inkster a chance. Inkster kept the lead until No.17, when her 8-foot birdie putt on the 143-yard par-3 stopped on the edge. Daniel made her putt to move back into a tie, and took back the lead against in the 18th.

Daniel, both LPGA and World Hall of Fame member, struggled for the past eight years. She challenged and failed 152 times for the championship. For example, she took the lead over Se Ri Pak last year, but lost the championship to Pak by three strokes. In total, she ended up just within the top ten ranking thirty two times.

What made Daniel set a new benchmark at the age of 46? Inkster believes as follows:

"Just amazed at her zeal for golf. It`s surprising. Daniel practices more than any other player. I understand young players have excellent skills. When it comes to passion, Daniel overwhelms them, I guess."

Daniel has a lot in common with Korean golfer Goo Ok-hee. Both are of the same age. And both of them started the golf career in 1978. Furthermore, they are not married. Simply they love golf too much.

In the meanwhile, none of Grace Park, Se Ri Pak and Jeung Jang succeeded in winning the title. They, however, landed within the top ten.

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com