South Korea's Jin Young Ko became the first player to retain the Women's World Championship title after firing a three-under par 69 in the weather-delayed final round to beat world No.2 Nelly Korda in Singapore.

Still battling a wrist injury that derailed her 2022 season, Ko burst into tears after her triumphant return at Sentosa as she finished with a 17-under par total of 271, taking home the $US270,000 ($A400,000) first prize.

Ko was unflappable on the front nine and although she faltered with a bogey on the 11th, she sank a 30-foot putt for birdie on the 13th and a two-foot par putt on the final hole to edge American Korda by two shots.

Korda drained a four-foot birdie putt for a 69 and second place on 15-under, finishing a stroke ahead of Japan's Ayaka Furue (67) and compatriots Danielle Kang (68) and Allisen Corpuz (69), who tied for third on 14-under.

Hannah Green carded a one-under 71 to finish 10 shots behind Ko in a tie for 20th to be the best-placed Australian.

Compatriot Minjee Lee was in a tie for 52nd after a final round 74.