Yates Wins For First Time in 15 Attempts

Simon Yates, (34•Scotland) won a deserved victory at last in his 15th appearance in Korean matches.

The final fourth round of the 2004 SK Telecom Open (total prize 500 million won) was held on the Dongbook Course of Baek-ambee Star CC, Icheon, Kyoungi on May 23. At second place in the 2001 SK Telecom Open, Yates had two under par and 70 strokes marking 4 days consecutively (70-69-70-70) among all of the participants to capture the winning prize of 100 million with 9 under par and 279 strokes. It was his 5th win during his 15-year professional career.

The winner was crowned at the 18th hole. (Par 4) Leading by a single stroke, Yates missed 1.5m’s par putting to unsure of capturing extra holes. However, Rick Gibson (Canada), who was running a close match with Yates in a champion group, also missed 1.2m’s par putting to award Yates the champion trophy.

Meanwhile, starting 4th round as sole leader by 1 stroke, Wi Chang-soo, 32, only made an even par to tie second place (8 under par and 280 strokes) by 1 more stroke and lose the 3rd victory in the match.

Facing big expectations, “Tank” Choi Kyoung-joo (Superior, Tailor-made) finished as co-14th place at 1 over par and 289 strokes. He commented after the game, “I wanted to donate all the prize money to premature infants, so I feel disappointed. I had hoped to donate 100 million while achieving two consecutive wins for the tournament. I will do it using my own money.”

Competing again for his first major win in the U.S Open, starting on June 17, Choi is now scheduled to play only the Memorial Tournament held two weeks before in order to keep his condition strong.

Fred Couples (Ashworth) tied at 5th place (4 under par and 284 strokes) despite his condition, demonstrating his title “Pride of U.S. Golf.”

Hearing-impaired Lee Seung-man, 24, did well with 2 under par and 70 strokes to tie 8th place (2 under par and 286 strokes), and Heo Seok-ho (Lee Dongsu Fashion) tied 12th (even par, 288 strokes), while Kim Dae-seop (SK Telecom) finished in 14th place.

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com