Defending champion Lee retains title at Korea Open

September 12, 2016 | 10:40

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CHEONAN, South Korea: Defending champion Lee Kyoung-Hoon fired a final-round 68 to win the Korea Open title for the second time Sunday (Sep 11).

Lee Kyoung-hoon carded 16-under-par 268 for a three-stroke victory over countryman Choi Jin-Ho at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan. (AFP/Paul Lakatos)

He carded 16-under-par 268 for a three-stroke victory over countryman Choi Jin-Ho at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan.

Choi mounted a strong challenge on the front nine before three straight bogeys from the 10th derailed his glory bid.

One shot behind was Kang Kyung-Nam, who was looking to re-ignite his career after completing his mandatory military service last year.

Choi, two strokes behind after the third round, drew level with Lee after birdies at the first and the fourth, turning the contest into an engrossing duel.

Lee shot four straight birdies from the par-five fifth hole as Choi picked up three shots in the same stretch. But Choi's challenge crumbled after the turn with three bogeys on the trot.

Thailand's Namchok Tantipokhakul shot a 69 to finish as the highest-placed overseas challenger in equal 12th spot, 11 shots behind Lee.

AFP

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