A jubilant Liang Wenchong Sunday claimed the one-million-dollar Luxehills Chengdu Open after a gripping play-off victory over Korean Kim Hyung-Tae. Roared on by huge crowds, the Chinese golfer birdied the first extra hole on the par-five 18th to win at Luxehills International Country Club in the opening event of the season in the OneAsia series.
It was a wire-to-wire victory for the Chinese number one but he was made to work harder than expected after a spirited challenge by Kim. Liang, who started the day with a three-shot lead over Kim, shot a three-under-par 69 while the Korean came in with a 66. They finished tied on 21-under-par 267. "Wow! What a day. I am drained having led from the first round and then ending up in a play-off. To win in front of my home fans in this manner makes it so special. I am very proud," said Liang.
In a thrilling back nine, Kim caught playing partner Liang when he birdied 11, 12 and 13. However, the Korean missed a short par putt on 15 to give his Chinese opponent a one-shot lead. More drama unfolded on the penultimate hole when Kim made a birdie two while Liang bogeyed meaning he was a stroke behind playing the last to the shock of the gallery. Liang responded magnificently by holing a 15 foot birdie putt to force a play-off and send the crowd wild.
Comments
Comments are closed for this article.