Kim Mi-Hyun Hangs On 3rd Place

Although she has been in the worst condition, a `Super Peanut`, Kim Mi-Hyun (24, KTF, Photo) never gave up the dream of winning her first victory in this season at the US LPGA Big Apple Classic (total prize of $950,000).

Kim Mi-Hyun captured 1 eagle and 2 birdies, but recorded 1 bogey and 1 double bogey to lower just one stroke in the third round at Sykagyl Country Club (par 71, 6161 yard) in New Rochelle, New York yesterday. Kim recorded total 7-under-par 206 for three rounds, which kept her in the third place, stretching the differential from the leader to 4 strokes from the previous 1 stroke. Looking for the second victory in this season, Rosie Jones, who was the second place winner last year, held on to the lead with the third round total of 11-under-par 202.

Kim, who did not win a title in 19 tournaments thus far this year, has seriously nosebleed five times during the last week, so that she had to give up the Pro-Am tournament. She could not help but show the unstable performance due to the bad physical condition. Kim grabbed a birdie with the accurate tee-shot in the second hole (par 3). But after she hit the driver shot to the bunker, and made a double bogey with three-on and three-putt in the fifth hole (par 4). After the consecutive par-saves in the next nine holes, she dropped the 7 m eagle putting in the fifteenth hole (par 5), which signaled her revival. But she failed to keep her momentum alternating a bogey and a birdie in the 17th and 18th.

Meanwhile, Kim signed a sponsor contract with the US`s M & A investment company, Emergent Group, on terms of receiving 500,000 stocks (worth $500,000) for next three years. In case that she finishes this season in a top-ten of the prize ranking, she can receive additionally 100,000 stocks. And she will be given the private flight service, if necessary. By contract, Kim has to attach the logo of the Emergent Group on the left of the shirt.

Han Hee-Won (23, Fila Korea), who is running up the leader in the race for the rookie of the year, tumbled down to 61st place with the total 6-over-par 219 for three rounds, recording 10 over par with 2 birdies, 6 bogeys and 3 double bogeys in the third round.

Kim Jong-Seok kjs0123@donga.com