Kim Ji-hyun retains Korean title as Melissa Reid fades

Kim Ji-hyun retained her Korean Ladies Masters title after a final round of 65 saw her edge out Yang Soo-jin and Seo Hae-kyung by one shot in Jeju.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Nov 2010, 16:08 BST
Updated 7th Nov 2010, 23:11 BST

Starting the day four shots off the lead, Kim played the outward nine in 31 after picking up five birdies but the Korean still trailed compatriot Yang until further birdies at the 14th and 15th saw her move to eight-under par.

"I feel lucky because I thought it could go to a play-off and Soo-Jin Yang is the second-ranked player on the Korean LPGA Tour in 2010," said Kim.

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"I knew it would be very difficult to successfully defend a title but I'm very happy because I did it with my best-ever score as a professional."

After missing a birdie putt at the last that would have forced a play-off, Yang signed for a 70 to finish alongside Seo, who carded a 68 thanks to three birdies on the back nine. Kim Ha-neul claimed fourth after firing a 66.

Melissa Reid, who had shared the lead after the first two rounds, finished ninth on two-under following a disappointing 75.

Scotland's Kylie Walker closed with fine rounds of 71 and 69 to finish on 218, three shots less than Carly Booth.