Associated Press Aug 2, 2026, 02:50 PM ET LYTHAM ST. ANNES, England -- Shiho Kuwaki of Japan saved par to stay alive in a sudden-death playoff Sunday and won with a par on the second extra hole to claim the Women's British Open over Esther Henseleit of Germany for her first major title. The tournament, held at the historic Royal Lytham & St. Annes, attracted a strong field.

Kuwaki closed with a 1-under 70 and looked like a winner in regulation until Henseleit holed a 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole at Royal Lytham & St. Annes for a 70 to join Kuwaki at 5-under 279.

Henseleit then had the advantage in the playoff when the 23-year-old from Japan was in deep grass short of a bunker and had to lay up short of the green. Kuwaki hit a wedge to 3 feet to save par and got another chance when Henseleit missed a 15-foot birdie putt for the win. Kuwaki's precise wedge and Henseleit's missed putt underscored the high stakes of the sudden-death scenario.

The dramatic finish highlighted the resilience of both players, with Kuwaki securing her maiden major victory after an intense battle.