Japanese Ai Miyazato holds the cup after winning the Evian Masters Golf Tournament ahead of Sweden's Sophie Gustafson, South Korea's Lee Meena, and US' Cristie Kerr on July 26, 2009. (JEAN-PIERRE CLATOT/AFP)

EVIAN LES BAINS, France, July 26, 2009 (AFP) - Japan's Ai Miyazato claimed her first LPGA title on Sunday when she defeated Sweden's Sophie Gustafson at the first extra hole of a sudden-death play-off in the Evian Masters.

Miyazato, who won 12 titles on the Japanese LPGA tour and became a superstar in her homeland before heading to America full time in 2006, carded a final round 69 to set the target of 14 under par 274.

Moments later, Gustafson birdied the long 18th for a 70 to force the play-off.

In sudden-death, it was Miyazato who secured the 487,500-dollar prize - the joint highest in women's golf.

Playing the 477-yard 18th, Gustafson missed her 10 foot birdie putt and then Miyazato slotted hers home from just three feet.

"I have dreamt about this day since I was very young and now it's come true," said the delighted 24-year-old Miyazato.

"I'm so happy and feel great. There was a lot of pressure today, because I had a chance to win. It's great to have done it.

"I have been through tough times the past couple of years. But my caddie, (Englishman Mick Seaborn) stood by me the whole time, and we grew together as a team. Today is a mixture of relief and accomplishment."

Miyazato was delighted to follow in the footsteps of Hiromi Kobayashi (1997) and become the second Japanese winner here.

"Every time I walked up the stairs to the locker room, her picture and scorecard caught my eyes," said the new champion.

"I always wanted to achieve what she achieved. I respect her a lot, and I feel very proud to join her as an Evian winner.

"I was very young when I won the titles in Japan and it took a while to adjust to America. But I really appreciate all the support I get from back home."

Miyazato, who had three-putted the 18th for bogey on Saturday, began the final round one shot off the lead.

But she made an early move with a birdie at the second.

She did drop a shot at the sixth but made a significant move with three birdies in four holes from the eighth.

Having dropped into a tie for the lead with a dropped shot at the 15th, she made an easy birdie at the 18th to overtake Lee and set the clubhouse target.

On a day of low scoring, South Korea's Lee Meena surged through the field with a best of tournament 65.

The former Canadian Open champion had nine birdies to set an early mark of 13 under par. She had to wait more than hour before being overtaken by Miyazato and Gustafson.

But she did hold on to third place in a tie with American Cristie Kerr, who closed with a 70.

Three former winners - Helen Alfredsson (70), who was the defending champion, Karrie Webb (71) and Paula Creamer (70) - all shared fifth place on 11 under par.

Wales' Becky Brewerton, the leader from round one, slipped back with a 76 and had to settle for a share of 13th on eight under par, while Mexico's world No.1 Lorena Ochoa closed with a disappointing 73 and finished on two under par and in share of 40th place.

France's Karine Icher, in the hunt at halfway, was the best of the home players. She finished with a 69 for five under par and a tie for 23rd place.