Kang Uk-Soon, `Thrilling` Last-Minute Victory

Kang Uk-Soon (36. Samsung Electronics) recorded the season’s first title through a thrilling reversal victory.

The final 4th round of 2002 Pocari Sweat Open Golf Tournament (250 million won in total prizes) was held at Yongin 88 CC, Kyeonggi, East Course (par 72), on the 19th. Kang, who was a 4th tier by 3 strokes on the previous day, hit 4-under, including 1 eagle, 5 birdies, 1 bogie, and 1 double-bogie. Recording the final sum of 13-under, he outran the 2nd-tie group of 6 by 1 stroke.

As he won his first professional title in the same tournament in 1995, Kang made a return in 7 years to claim 4.5 million won as the winning prize. This is his 14th title in total (6 international titles).

“It’s meaningful that I won the same tournament that gave me the first title. It was the physical work-out during the winter training that helped me win,” rejoiced Kang.

Veteran Park Nam-Shin (43) recorded total sum of 12-under, hitting 7-under on the day alone, to get even with Lee In-Woo (Astra), Kim Dae-Sup (Sungkyunkwan University), Shin Yong-Jin (LG Fashion), Choi Kwang-Su (Kolon Erlod), and Jang Ik-Je. Jeon Jun (Callaway), who stayed in the lead for 2 consecutive days, finished 8th with 11-under.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com