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The 2023 Kroger Queen City Championship wrapped up with many surprises for varied professionals. While Minjee Lee won the coveted title and Charley Hull once again showcased her dominance with the club, Lexi Thompson reignited her gameplay momentum. However, these weren’t the only players who were at the receiving end of this tournament’s bonuses.

In fact, Ohio witnessed another rising star, claiming a glorious feat, overthrowing American golfer Lilia Vu and becoming World No.1. It is none other than 2023 KPMG PGA Women’s Championship winner, Ruoning Yin. While the accomplishment in itself is an astonishing one, the golfer herself reflected on the thrill it has ignited within the Chinese professional.

Despite falling short of victory, Ruoning Yin secures a distinguished niche

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Ruoning Yin was in impeccable form in Ohio during the latest PGA Tour Event. While she failed to grab a victory on the testing greens, on the ranking front, she was the winner. Yes, China’s star golfer secured the World No.1 position in women’s golf on Sunday after finishing third, bringing laurels to herself and her country.

The 20-year-old is the second Chinese female golfer to grab the top spot in the rankings. Prior to her, it was just Feng Shanshan who was at the top position from November 2017 to April 2018. Yin will also represent her country in the Asian Games later this month and fortunately for her it will be Shanshan who will be coaching the national side in the event.

The golfer’s first major title in June at the Women’s PGA Championship helped her leap closer to the admirable spot, along with her first LPGA victory at the LA Open. In her journey to first place, Ruoning Yin required a Top-four result in the Kroger Queen City Championship to overtake Lilia Vu, per Straitstimes.

USA Today via Reuters

While this was her fourth third-place finish in the previous five events, the golfer made sure to tick all the correct boxes for the first spot on the rankings. She became the fifth face on the top of the standings this year after Lydia Ko, Lilia Vu, Nelly Korda and Ko Jin-young. That shows the nature of competition in women’s golf.

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Acknowledging her astonishing feat, Yin opened up about her emotions after securing such an honorable position. She expressed her joy after the achievement along with mentioning the surreal nature of it.

Ruoning Yin divulges the raw emotions associated with the coveted World No. 1 title

The illustrious World No. 1 title is a dream come true for many, including the current holder of the title, Ruoning Yin. Reflecting on this feeling of hers, the 20-year-old said, “I’ve got goosebumps,” and called it a big step. Per the young golfer, this was her strive toward following in the Chinese veteran Shanshan’s footsteps.

The emotions, undeniably, were at their peak as Yin expressed how amazing she felt after achieving the eminent crown. The Chinese golfer divulged that she is comfortable with her form, especially how she has been able to be in contention in many tournaments this year.

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Her consistency appeared to have greased the wheels of athlete’s confidence, and she sure basked in the same. With that, what is your take on the prestigious ranking achieved by the 20-year-old Ruoning Yin? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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