Kim Mi-Hyun finishes second in playoff

Kim Mi-Hyun lost to Sweden`s Annika Sorenstam in the playoff of the U.S. LPGA Office Depot at Wilshire Country Club (par-72/6349 yards) in Los Angeles, Sunday. Kim, 24, bidding for her first victory of the season, set a course record with a seven under par 65 in the final round that included seven birdies. This left her on a six under 210 and co-leader with Sorenstam.

But she lost in the first hole of the playoff to take second place in the tournament and a total purse of $800,000.

Entering the final round in 19th place, Kim played a seven under par round to draw level with Sorenstam. In the first hole of the playoff at the 18th hole (par 3, 155 yards), Sorenstam`s tee shot landed four meters from the hole, while Kim`s went into the rough. Kim`s second shot was also too short and she could only land the ball on the green on the third stroke. Meanwhile, Sorenstam easily made par to take the match.

Sorenstam, who was ninth on the previous day, became the third player to have won four consecutive LPGA titles in history after Mickey Wright, who did so in 1962 and 1963, and Kathy Whitworth in 1969.

Kim Jong-Seok kjs0123@donga.com