Bi-oon track for another win
Home favourite Kim BI-O stayed on course for back–to–back Oneasia titles by shooting a five–under 67 yesterday to take a two-stroke lead into the final round of the SK Telecom Open.
But Bi-o’s 13–under total of 203 around the tricky Pinx Golf Club track on the South Korean honeymoon island of Jeju was overshadowed by a blistering course–record 63 from compatriot Hur In–hoi and a 66 by a teen amateur.
Kim Si-woo, 16, shared second place with fellow South Koreans In–hoi and Joo Heung-choi going into the final round.
Joint overnight leader Park Sang–hyun was a stroke further back after shooting a 70, while Indonesia’s Rory Hie – who also had a share of the lead at the start of the day – shot a level 72 to remain at eight–under.
BI-O, a two–time winner on Oneasia after victories in the China Masters last year and again last week at the Maekyung Open in Seoul, is currently in second place on the tour’s Order of Merit.
He took a grip on the tournament at the par–five ninth when he put his second shot to within six feet and converted for the only eagle there of the day.
“I was in that position once,” laughed BI-O when asked what advice he would have for the youngster Si–woo heading into the final round.
“He mustn’t get carried away,” said BI-O. “It is a great learning opportunity for him, but I amsure he will do very well.” – AFP