South Koreas Minchel Choi held off the challenge of compatriot Sanghyun Park by sinking a birdie on the last hole to win the Korea Open Golf Championship by two shots here on Sunday.
Walking up the 18 green, Choi knew he could not afford to drop a shot as that would leave the door open for Park to force a three-hole play-off with him at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.
The 30-year-old steadied his nerves and could not contain his delight when he watched his putt from 10-feet drop into the cup.
Choi's final round two-under-par 69 not only confirmed him as the newest champion of his National Open but also earned him a ticket to The Open in Carnoustie next month.
A fast-charging Sanghyun had earlier surmounted a late challenge when he stormed towards the finishing line with two birdies in his last four holes.
But after closing with a four-day total of 12-under-par 272 and watching Choi sign off with a winning birdie, Park eventually settled for second place at the $1,125,000 event.
--IANS
ajb/bg
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