Bae enjoys memorable win at Korea Open
IN: News | Asian | Kolon Korean Open (2008) | Round Four | 05 Oct 2008
Local star Bae Sang-moon enjoyed a memorable home triumph at the Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open on Sunday.
The Asian Tour hotshot fired a final round of two-under-par 69 for a winning total of 11-under-par 273 to hold off Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter of England who shot a 70 to claim second place in the US$1 million event.
As a result of his success, Bae walked away with the top prize of US$240,384 and rises to fifth place on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.
“I’m extremely happy and I don’t think I’ve realised the magnitude of my win. I’m very proud of myself,” said Bae.
American Anthony Kim was even-par for the day to finish in a tie for third place alongside overnight leader Kim Wi-joong who produced a 72 at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.
Former winner Kim Dae-sub shot a 72 for lone fifth place while Korea’s Lee in-woo nailed a lowly 65 to finish in joint sixth spot together with compatriot Kim Hyung-tae and Australia’s Jason King who carded a 70 and 69 respectively.
Bae, who won the SK Telecom Open last year, was delighted to have overcome the elite field and nail his second win on the Asian Tour.
The champion held his game on the final charge when he was one under after nine holes. He kept it steady at the Perry O. Dye-designed course firing a birdie on the 10th hole followed by eight straight pars for a 69.
“The birdie on the 10th hole kept my momentum going for the rest of the day. That birdie gave me the confidence needed to keep it going in the closing holes,” admitted Bae.
It was a reflection of a consistent season on the Asian Tour for Bae who had previously chalked up three top-10 finishes this year. He enjoyed his breakthrough win last season and recorded one win on the local circuit in 2006.
Poulter, with seven wins in Europe, was leading the field heading home but the title slipped away when he struck bogeys on the 16th and 18th holes.
“I came here to win but I am going home second, so I’m not very happy. But it’s nice to come here with so many fans and I’m glad I could show them some good golf this week,” said the 32-year-old Englishman.
American Kim was disappointed with his final day efforts of two birdies against an equal number of bogeys to finish in tied third place.
“I am very disappointed. I let a lot of shots go today and this week. There is a lot for me to learn but hats off to the winner who played great.
“I had a good time and enjoyed the support from the fans, even though I played terrible in the last three days. But I’ll be back and I will be a much better player when I return,” said Kim.
Source – Asian Tour
