`Tank` Choi Kyung-Joo, `Top 10` for 3 Day in a Row

`Tank` Choi Kyung-Joo (32, Taylormade) suffered from the lack of back thrust last year, as he fell apart in 3, 4 rounds after starting well in 1, 2 rounds.

Would he be any different this year?

It is the 3rd round of the U.S. PGA Tour Sony Open (total prizes 4 million dollars) at Waialae Country Club of Honolulu, Hawaii.

Choi earned 7 birdies (2 bogies) pulling himself up to tied- 5th position from 10th on the previous day. On the day, he performed a bogie in the first hole, and double- bogie in the second losing 2 shots only in the first half, and that pushed Choi out of top 20s.

However, the second half was relieving as he scored a birdie in the 10th hole and 16th, 17th hole consecutive birdies. He saved 1 shot, and returned to tied- 8th with the mid- total score 8- under 202.

Seemingly different from last year, he is more mature and has better control in a crisis.

Choi is leading in the tour season`s first game, and is currently on the `top 10` list for 3 days in a row, getting nearer to recording a sum total of 7 times in the `top 10`.

Meanwhile, ex- hockey player Jerry Keller (36) is at the top with 14- under 196, and is dreaming of the first victory in his total 200 PGA Tour matches. Last year`s PGA.

Championship winner David Toms (U.S.A) is on the 2nd- tie with John Cook (U.S.A). Following last week`s Mercedes Championship title, Sergio Garcia is 10 shots behind the lead, which certainly makes it difficult for him to win the first prize for twice in a row.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com