Taiwan’s Hou Vivian Yu-Chiang (侯羽薔), amateur talent Lin Jie-En (林潔恩), and Korea’s Jeong Seul Gi finished the final round tied at 14-under 202 at the KENDA Tires TLPGA Open on Friday, forcing a three-way playoff back on the 18th hole. Hou ultimately outlasted Jeong on the second extra hole to capture her second career professional title and the NT$720,000 champion’s check, while Lin earned the low-amateur honor.

The 2026 KENDA Tires Open is an official co-sanctioned event between the TLPGA Tour and the Ladies Philippines Golf Tour (LPGT).

In the concurrent senior invitational event, Lu Ya-Huei (呂雅惠) carded a final-round 68 to edge Korea’s Kim Jung Soo by one stroke, securing her second senior title following her victory two years ago.

Hou and Jeong both started Friday trailing 36-hole leader Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong by one shot. Disaster struck for Hou on the 8th hole when a lost driver off the tee led to a double bogey. Meanwhile, Santiwiwatthanaphong went on a tear with three straight birdies right before the turn to reach 14-under. Suddenly four shots back with only nine holes left, Hou’s title hopes seemed fading.

“I just told myself not to give up,” Hou said. “If anything, that mistake on the 8th gave me the push to play extra aggressive and go for more.”

Hou erased her double-bogey damage with birdies on 12 and 15, but stepping off the 16th green, she still trailed clubhouse leader Lin by two shots and playing partner Jeong by one. “That meant I had to birdie the last two holes just to give myself a chance, and I’m so thrilled I pulled it off,” Hou said.

Jeong birdied the 18th as well to send three players, including herself, into the playoff. Lin, who matched the tournament’s low-round record earlier in the day with a flawless 63, was eliminated on the first play-off hole when her par couldn’t match Hou and Jeong’s birdies. 

“On the second playoff hole, I put a great second shot in front of the green, in a good uphill position. But unfortunately, my third shot came up a bit short. I thought I had lost my chance,” Hou recalled. “But then my opponent made a mistake, too, so I got pretty lucky there.”

“The second playoff hole was close. I hit my first couple of shots so well, but I just hit that final putt a little too hard,” Jeong said. “Still, I gave it 100% this week. I had no regrets. Now, I’m heading back to Korea for the Dream Tour, and I’ll be back on the TLPGA Tour in November for the Taya Group Open.”

Teenage sensation Lin Jie-En put on an impeccable performance on Friday, hitting 16 greens in regulation and setting up short birdie putts all day to sign for a spotless 9-birdie 63. “The very first TLPGA event I played right after turning twelve was this exact tournament, and I made the cut on my first try,” Lin said. “Now this is my fourth time playing the KENDA Tires Open, and my first time being in a playoff and getting so close to the trophy. I’m proud of myself.” 

“I want to give a special thanks to Kenda’s late chairman Mr. Yang C-S. He gave me so much support and encouragement, and he had a lot of faith in me and kind of pushed me to work extra hard. Today’s honor is dedicated to him.”

Santiwiwatthanaphong unexpectedly stumbled with three bogeys after the turn to drop out of contention. Despite a closing birdie on the 18th, she finished two shots back in solo fourth at 12-under.

At the prize presentation, Kenda Industrial Chairman Yang C-J expressed his appreciation to the event staff and Taichung International Country Club. He offered high praise for low amateur Lin Jie-En, noting how she made the cut as a 12-year-old four years ago, won low amateur honors three straight times, and is gearing up for U.S. Women’s Open qualifier this year. “Our late Chairman Yang C-S passed away earlier this year, but he cared deeply about supporting this brilliant young lady,” Yang said. “I hope Jie-En keeps pushing forward with his love and support in mind.” He also congratulated Hou on keeping the trophy for Taiwan, with international players taking away most of the crowns over the tournament’s thirteen-year history.

“It’s wonderful to witness our growing collaboration with the LPGT, and this event will remain co-sanctioned next year,” added TLPGA Chairwoman Huang Bie-Shyun. “We look forward to expanding our partnership even further.” Florence Yvon Bisera emerged as the top LPGT finisher, closing with a steady 67 to take solo ninth at 9-under 207.