A practical stereoselective synthesis of (6S)-5,6,dihydro-6-[(2R)-2-hydroxy-6-phenyl hexyl]-2H-pyran-2-one, a potent natural antifungal compound, is described. The sequence involves diastereoselective iodine-induced electrophilic cyclization, epoxide ring opening with a vinyl Grignard reagent and ring closing metathesis (RCM) as the key steps.