(REUTERS) - Japanese former world No. 1 Ai Miyazato bid an emotional farewell to her home supporters at the Suntory Ladies Open on Sunday, in her first event since announcing she was retiring and what appears increasingly likely to be her last in Japan.

The 31-year-old cited a lack of motivation when she told reporters last month that this would be her last season in professional golf, after a glittering career in which she won 15 tournaments in Japan and nine on the United States-based LPGA Tour.

On Sunday, the Okinawa-born Miyazato parred the final hole at a packed Rokko Kokusai Golf Club in Hyogo prefecture to complete the tournament with a two-under 286 total, 13 shots adrift of South Korean winner Kim Ha Neul.

Miyazato wept upon sinking her final putt as the gallery gave her a huge ovation.

"I'd give myself a passing mark for the four days overall," Miyazato, who finished 26th overall, was quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency.

"This was a special tournament for me, and the motivation I had for this was a bit different. I'm glad I had an opportunity to compete through all four days.

"I'm so grateful for all the fans who came out and supported me. I played the whole week with nothing but gratitude."

Miyazato is planning to return to North America to compete in more events on the LPGA Tour but her schedule beyond the Sept 14-17 Evian Championship in France, the fifth and final Major of the season, remains up in the air.

Ending her playing career at the French event would represent a fitting finale for her as it was the venue of her first LPGA Tour title in 2009, before it was upgraded to a Major four years later.

"The season is not over yet," she added. "Now if only I can repay those people who have supported me by getting the ultimate results."