The 20-year-old Japanese player closed with a five-under 67 at Aviara Golf Club for a three-stroke victory over playing partner Inbee Park, top-ranked Sung Hyun Park, Jin Young Ko, Azahara Munoz and Danielle Kang.

Hataoka, the 20-year-old Japanese player who won two LPGA Tour titles last season, finished at 18-under 270.

West Australian World No.3 Minjee Lee had a one-over 73 to slide to a share of 28th as she finalised her preparations for the ANA Inspiration at Rancho Mirage in California starting on Thursday.

RIGHT: Katherine Kirk closed with 65 to be the highest-finishing Australian. PHOTO: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images.

Katherine Kirk stormed up the leaderboard with a bogey-free seven-under 65 to end the week at 12 under and a tie for 13th, to finish as the leading Australian.

Winless in 12 months, Inbee Park had a 71 to miss a chance for her 20th LPGA Tour victory, while Sung Hyun Park carded the same final round score.

Ko and Kang had 65s and Munoz a 68.

Hyo Joo Kim matched the course record – set a day earlier by Mi Jung Hur – with a 62 to tie for seventh at 14 under.