KUALA LUMPUR: MALAYSIA'S Natasha Andrea Oon missed out on her maiden professional win when she was pipped to the Epson Tour's IOA Championship title in the United States by China's Miranda Wang by just one shot.
The 21-year-old Natasha finished second after closing with a one-under 71 to compile a three-day total of 11-under 205 at the Morongo Golf Club in Beaumont, California yesterday.
Compatriot Alyaa Abdulghany settled for tied-42nd on 216, while Ashley Lau failed to make the cut.
Starting the day tied for the lead with Miranda and American Maddi Caldwell Young, Natasha, who impressed with 66 and 68 on the first two days, fought a close battle with the China golfer all the way to the 18th hole before a bogey, her third of the day, put paid to her hopes of forcing a playoff.
"Being in the last group, putts are 10 times harder. My hands were shaking the whole time," said Natasha.
"I did feel the nerves, hopefully next time I'll be able to overcome it.
"But honestly, I'm really proud of myself for this week," said Natasha who finished a creditable tied-seventh at the season-opening Florida Natural Charity Classic three weeks ago.
Backed by two top-10 finishes, Natasha is currently fifth on the Epson Tour Official Money List after pocketing US$27,081 (RM120,000) to date.