Anannarukarn, who beat Linn Grant of Sweden in Sunday morning's semi-final at Shadow Creek, took the lead for good with a birdie on the par-5 7th hole.

The Thai kept up the pressure on a hot day in north Las Vegas, with both players carrying umbrellas under a bright blue sky to fend off the sun. But right when it looked as though fatigue was setting in from playing seven matches in five days, they produced some of their best shots.

Japan's Furue simply couldn't catch up, and finished runner-up for the second straight year.

"Match Play is taking a lot of energy throughout the week," Anannarukarn said.

"I'm really soaking it in right now. It's been a great week, and I'm grateful for everything."

The match ended on the par-3 17th when Anannarukarn drilled her tee shot to about six feet to the right of the pin and Furue found a back bunker. Furue's shot hit the left side of the hole – had it hit the pin it might have dropped – and rolled out some 12 feet before conceding the match.

Anannarukarn won for the second time on the LPGA Tour, and the first time since ISPS Handa World Invitational in Northern Ireland in 2021, a tournament co-sanctioned with the Ladies European Tour.

"Match Play is taking a lot of energy throughout the week. I'm really soaking it in right now. It's been a great week, and I'm grateful for everything." – Pajaree Anannarukan.

Two days ago, it looked as though she might get eliminated. Anannarukarn lost on the 18th hole to Karis Davidson, forcing a sudden death play-off in which she beat the Australian.

In the knockout stage, she took out Solheim Cup stalwart Carlota Ciganda of Spain and then American Cheyenne Knight. She made eight birdies against Grant in the semi, superb golf considering the fast, firm conditions of Shadow Creek.

Furue took out Ireland's Leona Maguire in the last four, and grabbed an early lead against the Thai in the championship match until the first of several mistakes by both players.

Anannarukarn and Furue each made only one birdie through 11 holes, with the Thai missing short birdie putts on the 8th and 9th holes that could have expanded her lead.

"The wind picked up a lot. I think I used up all my birdies," Anannarukarn said.

"I really tried hard. I missed a couple of putts, I shanked one out of the bunker. It's golf, and I really tried. I'm glad I was able to play decent enough."

Anannarukarn is the first Thai winner on the LPGA Tour this season, a country so strong that they won the International Crown two weeks ago without her on the four-player team.