Reid finally realises her potential to claim first victory

WOMEN'S TOUR TURKISH OPEN:ENGLAND'S MELISSA Reid finally entered the winner's circle yesterday with a two-stroke victory at the Turkish Open.

Reid (23), from Derby, played with poise and authority at National Golf Club in Belek, Antalya, to close with a 74 and finish at three under, ahead of Denmark’s Iben Tinning (74) and Christel Boeljon from the Netherlands (72).

It was a significant win against a field of competitors that included Laura Davies.

Reid had been knocking on the door since her first full season as a professional in 2008 and had finished second four times, having twice squandered leads going into the final round.

She denied feeling any pressure from other’s expectations.

“Obviously I’m aware of it but it’s more the pressure that I put on myself,” she said. “Now I know that even when I don’t play well on the back nine, I can still pull off shots, even when the pressure’s on. It’s just a fantastic feeling. It’s great to feel that I can win, even without an A game.”

Reid took a two-shot lead into the final round and made a flying start with a birdie at the tough par three second, which has an island green.

She split the fairways with her drives and found all the greens before going on to post a second birdie at the par-four eighth, opening a four-shot lead.

That margin was cut to two after she dropped shots at the 10th and 12th and Tinning had birdied the 12th.

After she three-putted the long 15th, she held a one-shot advantage over Boeljon, who then dropped a shot at the par-four 17th.

Reid then sealed the win with a par on the water-lined 18th hole.

It was Reid’s first time working with caddie Lee Griffiths, and she added: “He got better during the week. He got to know me. Hopefully it’s going to be a great relationship between us and we can win many tournaments together.”

Joint runner-up spot for Boeljon was her best finish in two seasons on the LET.

Ireland’s Hazel Kavanagh finished in a tie for eighth place on three over after a 75. Rebecca Coakley was a shot further back after a 74 and Alison Walshe was on five over after shooting 75.