Lee storms to 9-shot win in Khon Kaen

Lee storms to 9-shot win in Khon Kaen

Lee Jeong-Eun made a final round 67 with six birdies and one bogey to win by nine shots at the Singha E-san Open in Khon Kaen yesterday.

The South Korean had a 54-hole total of 12-under-204 to wrest the trophy. Amateur Chakansim Khamborn was second on 3-under-213. Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong (71) and Parinda Phokan (70) were tied for third on 2-under-214 while Yin May My of Myanmar (73) was sixth on 216.

The 22-year-old Lee, who has been training at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club for four weeks, got 32,000 baht for her first win in Thailand. However, she donated the prize money to the tournament organisers for development of young golfers. The winner thanked the organisers for giving her a chance to compete in the prestigious tour. Despite winning the event by a big margin, she said it was not easy to play on the course what with its sloping greens proving a challenge to competitors.

"It was difficult, especially the pin placements. I won it because of my good course management," said the golfer, who is among 40 Koreans training at Singha Park Golf Club.

"I love the place. It is very nice. Hopefully, I can come back and defend the title next year."

KLPGA money winner Lee, who will leave for South Korea next month, said that this year she would focus on KLPGA and play some events on LPGA and JLPGA tours.

In the men's event, Rattanon Wannasrichan and Kasidit Kepkurte shared a two-shot lead going into the final round. Rattanon made nine birdies against one bogey for a 64 while Kasidit fired a 66 with eight birdies and two bogeys.

Defending champion Danthai Boonma, who won by seven shots last year, shared third place with Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (65) Poosit Supupramai (69), Pavit Tangkramolprasert (70).

A stroke down further were Prayad Marksaeng (71) and Naras Luangphetcharaporn (69).

Overnight leader Piya Swangarunporn was five strokes behind the leader after he struggled with a 71. The Singha E-san Open is the first leg of the All Thailand Golf Tour 2018 and its winner will earn 450,000 baht.

Lee Jeong-Eun holds the Singha E-san Open trophy.

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