Ahn Shi-hyun “Cinderella Aftermath”

“Cinderella” Ahn Shi-hyun (19 years old, Kolon) was born to be a “star” as we expected.

The first round of the 2003 SBS Pro Golf Master Ladies Match, with a 200 million won prize purse, was held at Busan Asiad CC (par 72) on November 5. Until the 13th hole (which was not broadcasted live until then), Ahn hit three bogeys without a single birdie to score a 3-over par. Her score didn’t seem to reflect her performance from her play at the U.S. LPGA Tour CJ Nine Bridges Classic Champion’s three days ago.

However once the camera’s light clicked on, Ahn Shi-hyun’s eyes sparkled. Her iron shot, in particular, is her specialty because it sticks to the pin like magic.

At the 14th hole (par 4), she changed the atmosphere of the game by making a 1-meter birdie, and then at the 16th hole (par 3), she made a dramatic 9-meter birdie putt to further arouse her enthusiasm.

Even though she hit her fourth bogey by a 3-on 2-putt when her second shot landed in a bunker at the 17th hole (par 4), she recovered at the 18th hole (par 4) to hit a birdie, not disappointing the fans, by getting a 2-on within three meters from the pin via her delicate iron shot.

Ahn is tied for 28th place with a 1-over par, 73 strokes after the first round. However, on the back five, her performance showed us that she can win this tournament in the last two days.

After finishing today’s round, Ahn said, “I had a tough day. It may be due to the aftermath effects of winning, but I am not sure. I was pressured a little. On the back nine, I adapted myself to the greens, and I recovered my putting sense.”

Meanwhile Kim Young (Shinsegae), a full time qualifier of the US. LPGA tour who played in the same group, tied for the first place with Lee Joo-eun (26) with a 4-under, 68 strokes score to finish the day in the lead and off to a smooth start in her effort to collect the winning trophy two years in a row.

Chun Mi-jung (TaylorMade), competing for the prize money lead of this season, finished the day tied for 60th place with 4-over, 76 strokes. Kim Joo-mi (Hi mart) finished the day tied for 41st place with a 2-over, 74 strokes score.

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com