Pakistan, Aug. 4 -- Japan's Shiho Kuwaki won the women's British Open in a dramatic play-off with Esther Henseleit on Sunday, securing her first major title in memorable style.

Kuwaki held her nerve to sink the putt that clinched the trophy after two play-off holes of unrelenting tension at Royal Lytham & St Annes. The 23-year-old had finished the regulation four rounds on five under par for the tournament, with Germany's Henseleit nailing a brilliant long putt on the 18th hole to force the play-off.

The pulsating finale provided a fitting climax on the 50th anniversary of the event as Kuwaki announced her arrival as one of the sport's rising stars.

Kuwaki banked a tournament record $1.5 million in prize money, but finally getting her ...