Birdie binges give Perez, Ko Asian tourneys

American KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA Pat Perez won the PGA Tour’s CIMB Classic, claiming a four-shot victory over compatriot Keegan Bradley on Sunday at TPC Kuala Lumpur.

He sealed his first title in almost a year despite carding a modest 3-under 69 in the final round, courtesy of a strong start with three birdies in the first four holes.

The 41-year-old only made par on the back nine, but did enough to finish the tournament with a 24-under 264 to take home the US$1.26-million prize purse and 500 FedEx Cup points.

“Unreal. I think I’m the last guy that expected to win this week, to be honest with you,” Perez said.

Bradley carded an unblemished 5-under 67 to finish at 20-under 268.

Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., was the low Canadian at 12 under. Richard T. Lee of Toronto and Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford finished in a tie for 51st place at 3 under. Meanwhile, Graham DeLaet of Weyburn, Sask., finished at 2 under.

Meanwhile, South Korean Jin Young Ko overcame a sluggish start to clinch her first LPGA Tour victory at the KEB Hana Bank Championship on Sunday in Incheon, South Korea.

Ko bogeyed two of the first three holes at the Ocean Course before carding six birdies for a 68 and an overall 19-under total of 269.

“After I made the two bogeys, I had a really long chat with my caddy,” Ko said.

“He kept reminding me that being nervous was quite natural, that I needed to accept those nerves. I kept reminding myself of that.”

Sung Hyun Park, seeking her third LPGA Tour victory of the year and the chance to take over at the top of the Rolex Rankings for the first time, was denied both goals after closing with a 68 and finishing two shots behind Ko.

Smiths Falls, Ont.’s Brooke Henderson finished in a tie for eighth at 10 under.