Kang Soo-yun, No. 2 Overall in U.S.

Kang Soo-yun (27, Astra) now is jointly-ranked 2nd in the U.S. LPGA Tour Take-Fuji Classic (Total Prize of $1.1 million) and joins the ranks of other Korean sensations.

On April 20, in the final third round held at Las Vegas CC (par 72, 6494 yds.). Kang, who was the Korean prizewinner of 2001 (179 million won) having had three major victories, performed well and scored 5 under par with 67 strokes (6 birdies, 1 bogie). Kang, together with Arnica Sorenstam (Sweden) and two others all rank 2nd (10 under par, 206 strokes). The winner of the round was Candie Kung (22) from Taiwan. Kang was a mere 2 strokes ahead of Kang.

After her fourth tournament of the season, Kang has now entered the ‘Top 10’ and it showed in her quick adaptation to American greens. It also shows her a bright future in the current season as a winning candidate.

Kang performed poorly for two years in the past since 1999 in the Futures Tour (2nd line Tour) by a mere four-time entry into the top 10. However in last year’s qualifying school, she ranked a joint-7th and gained entry into the U.S. LPGA Regular Tour.

Meanwhile, Han Hee-won (Fila Korea) obtained a single-5th (9 under par, 207 strokes) and Park Seri (CJ) ranked a joint-6th (8 under par, 208 strokes). Overall three Korean players sit in the top 10 and truly show the might of the Koreans in the sport.

Kang entered the round with 5 strokes behind the second round winner, Candie Kung. On the 14th hole (par 3), she caught her 6th birdie and with total 11 under par she was only a stroke behind Kung. But on the 15th hole (par 4), she scored a regrettable bogie with three strokes. In the remaining three holes, she did poorly in her putting.

Meanwhile Kung began with a bogie in her 1st hole but managed to outdistance Kang on the 15th hole (par 4) with a birdie which placed Kang 3 strokes behind for her to claim victory.

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com