Korean Ryu secures tight win in Seoul

SEOUL NAMPA/AFP Overnight leader Ryu Hyun-Woo emerged from a dogfight on the final holes of the US$900 000 (N$8,1 million) GS Caltex Maekyung Open to take only his second tour title yesterday with a two-under-par 70. The South Korean finished on a 14-under-par aggregate of 274 to clinch the OneAsia tournament on the outskirts of Seoul, one shot ahead of compatriots Kim Do-Hoon and Kim Hyung-Sung. I am really pleased with this win, I didn't think I had a chance after starting with a 72 in the opening round, Ryu said in a OneAsia news release following his victory at the Namseoul Country Club, which follows a Japan Tour title last year. Going into the par-three 17th, Ryu and the two Kims were all square on 14 under. Off the tee, Ryu shot to within five feet and made a birdie, while his two rivals missed the green. With a two-shot lead now in the bank, Ryu was able to afford a bogey on the final hole to claim the winner's cheque of just under US$180 000 (N$1,6 million). Australia's Jake Higginbottom was the best of the non-Koreans, finishing six under on 282 for a share of eighth place. The 20-year-old only turned professional in November, two days after winning the BMW New Zealand Open as an amateur. China's Wang Minghao, playing in his first professional event after graduating from college in the United States last week, finished four-over par on Sunday and two over for the week. Top scores after final round (KOR unless specified): 274 - Ryu Hyun-Woo 72-65-67-70. 275 - Kim Do-Hoon 67-70-70-68; Kim Hyung-Sung 67-67-71-70. 278 - Lee Kyoung-Hoon 67-71-69-71; Kim Dae-Sub 70-66-71-71. 279 - Kang Kyung-Nam 68-71-68-72. 281 - Lee Tae-Hee 69-72-68-72. 282 - Jake Higginbottom (AUS) 69-71-74-68; Choi Ho-Sung 70-68-75-69; Park Ju-Hyuk 68-70-73-71; Park Il-Hwan 68-72-71-71; Song Young-Han 68-70-73-71.