Japanese rookie Rio Takeda finished tied for second at the U.S. Women's Open on Sunday as overnight leader Maja Stark of Sweden held on for a two-shot victory. Stark closed with an even-par 72 for a 7-under 281 total and her first major title. Takeda also shot a 72 and world No. 1 Nelly Korda of the United States carded a 71, leaving them two strokes back. "I didn't think I would be able to do it this week," Stark said of her win that earned her $2.4 million. "You always kind of know that it's possible, but there are so many good golfers on this tour." "I just had to stay calm. I didn't look at the leaderboard until I was on...I think 17. I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be because I felt like I have somewhat control of my game and I kind of know what's going on." A trio of Japanese players, Takeda, Mao Saigo and Hinako Shibuno, tried to make up a two-shot deficit heading into the final round. But they struggled to make birdies on a tough layout at Erin Hills in Erin, Wisconsin. "If I had made a few more putts down the stretch, I think I could have tied for the lead," said Takeda, 22, who is having a strong rookie season on the U.S. tour with one victory in March. "It was a great experience for me to compete on this (tough) course for four days. I want to make use of this experience in my next chance to win." Saigo could only manage a 73 to share fourth place with South Korea's Choi Hye Jin and China's Yin Ruoning at 4 under for the tournament, the second major of the LPGA season. Saigo was the winner of the first major, the Chevron Championship, in late April. Shibuno tied for seventh a shot further back after a 74. Related coverage