Katsu, 27, with eight wins on the Japan LPGA Tour, remains confident in her game despite the loss, noting that her performance this year has significantly boosted her confidence.

The LPGA Tour's next stop will be the BMW Ladies Championship in Korea, running from October 30 to November 2, continuing the Asian swing.

This Shanghai tournament was the first of five in Asia, with subsequent events scheduled across South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan, highlighting the tour's expanding presence in the region.

Other notable players included Minjee Lee, who finished third with a 19-under total, and Jenny Bae, Miyu Yamashita, and Somi Lee, who tied for fourth at 17-under.

Minjee Lee, from Australia, finished third with a 68, totaling 19-under 269, while Chinese amateur Ying Xu impressed in her LPGA debut, finishing joint seventh at 16-under.

Despite strong play throughout the tournament and seeking her first LPGA victory, Katsu narrowly missed out, aiming to set a record for 27 winners in a single LPGA season.

Thitikul, hailing from a small Thai town without a golf course, has humble goals of supporting her family and maintains a grounded personality, emphasizing her strong work ethic and resilience.

Since becoming World No. 1 in August, Thitikul has been a consistent presence in major tournaments, with multiple top finishes that showcase her potential to become a leading figure in women's golf.

Thitikul secured her victory at the LPGA event with a dramatic finish on the fifth hole, where her precise approach and Katsu's missed birdie putt sealed her win, making her the first player to win twice this season.

The Shanghai event marked the start of a five-tournament Asian swing, with upcoming competitions in South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan, including the International Crown team event in South Korea.

Her final round of 63, featuring seven birdies and an eagle, helped her overcome a four-shot deficit to the overnight leader Katsu, who had set a tournament record with a 61 in the second round.

Her emotional reaction, including tears after her win, highlights her competitive spirit and maturity, balancing humility with a desire for greatness as she continues to rise in professional golf.

Thitikul described her win as a dream come true, expressing relief and joy, especially after overcoming the mental burden from a previous mistake at a past tournament.

Her victory was also a form of redemption after a disappointing loss at the Kroger Queen City Championship, where she four-putted on the final hole, and she expressed relief and renewed confidence.