American Alex takes Portland Classic for first LPGA win

LOS ANGELES, Sept 04 (AFP): Marina Alex closed the front nine with five consecutive birdies on her way to firing a seven-under par 65 Sunday and collecting her first LPGA title at the Portland Classic.
The 28-year-old American made the best final-round comeback on tour this year, rallying from six strokes behind Britain's Georgia Hall over the last 18 holes for the victory at Oregon's Columbia Edgewater Country Club.
"It was just an incredible day," Alex said. "I'm so proud of myself." Alex, who fired a 62 on Thursday, finished on 19-under 269 with Hall second on 273 after a closing 75 and Japan's Ayako Uehara a distant third on 275.
"The first day I played so incredible. I knew that it was in there," Alex said. "Friday and Saturday I was so nervous. It was nice to have a hole I needed to dig myself out of it. I was able to free wheel it out there."
Alex took her first title in her 124th career LPGA start.