Navarrese golfer Carlota Ciganda has won the French Junior Ladies International after defeating France's Caroline Afonso at the Saint Cloud course in a thrilling final match that went down to the last of the 36 holes. Her 1-up victory adds to both her personal record and Spain's history in this tournament.

For the fourth consecutive time, the victory has gone to a Spanish player. The player from Navarre joins the ranks of María Hernández, winner in 2003, Elisa Serramià, in 2004, and Beatriz Recari, in last year's edition. Furthermore, since 1990, there have been ten victories for representatives of our country.

Carlota Ciganda, who faced the final after an intense duel in the semis with the German Valerie Sternebeck, took the initiative at all times despite the fact that her rival was playing at home and was supported by the French fans who gathered in Saint Cloud.

Playing well from tee to green, she began to build her lead in the first round, which ended with a two-hole advantage for the Spaniard. However, Caroline Afonso rallied in the second round, significantly reducing her rival's lead, which had reached four holes. It was then that both golfers showcased their best game and demonstrated why they were competing in the final. So much so that Carlota Ciganda needed five birdies to tie the score on as many holes. These were the best moments at Saint Cloud.

Ultimately, the scales tipped in favor of the Spaniard thanks to her greater confidence off the tee and Afonso's lack of precision with her putting, which had been her best weapon in her comeback on the back nine. This situation was particularly evident on the final hole, which Carlota Ciganda approached with a one-hole lead. After an excellent tee shot, the player from Navarre putted, with a birdie opportunity, to secure the win after seeing that her rival was only able to make par.

In this way, Carlota Ciganda manages to expand an already extensive list of achievements, in which, along with the Spanish Championships in the Benjamin, Alevín, Infantil and Cadete categories, and following two Copas de SM La Reina, this International title shines, in which she has shown all the virtues that allow her to be one of the most exciting promises of national golf.

On her way to the final, the player from Navarre displayed a solid game, only facing difficulties against the German Sternebeck in the semifinals. Previously, she had eliminated the Italian Alessandra de Luigi in the round of 32 (2/1), the English player Rachel Jennings in the round of 16 (3/2), and Jennings' compatriot Melissa Reid (3/2) in the quarterfinals.

The Spanish celebration in France was capped off with Belén Mozo's victory in the Claude Roger Cartier Trophy, contested by the top 16 players who didn't make the cut after the second round. In the final, she defeated Norway's Marita Engzelius 4-3.

RESULTS
End
Carlota Ciganda (SPAIN) defeats Carolina Afonso (France) by 1up