US Ryder Cup star Anthony Kim took control of the Korea Open with a seven-under 64 yesterday, finishing the opening day two shots clear of the field.
Kim, one of the sports rising stars, carried on where he left off for the US in Kentucky.
Hardly putting as foot wrong in fine weather and good conditions at the Woo Jeung Hills Country Club south of Seoul, the 23-year-old led from local Kim Jong-myung (66) in the US$1 million Asian Tour event.
“I have been touched by the support given to me by fans in Korea,” Kim told Korean media. “I want to repay them and need to stay focused for the rest of the tournament.”
KOREAN AMERICAN
“I am American but I am also Korean. As a Korean, I am proud to be in the lead but there is still a long way to go,” he said.
The Californian-born Kim birdied the first three holes on a day in which only 33 of the 132-man field broke par.
“I used my driver on almost every hole,” Kim said. “There is hardly any rough here so I am comfortable and I like it. I birdied the final hole which was nice.”
Third place was shared by five players at 5-under 67: South Koreans Park Nam-sim, Bae Sang-moon, Kim Dae-sub and Kim Wi-joong, plus Malaysian Ben Leong.
SHARE
Ian Poulter, runner-up at this year’s British Open and Europe’s best player at the recent Ryder Cup, shot a 2-under 69 for a share of 15th place.
“I got off to a slow start but picked up the pace at the end of the front nine,” Poulter said. “I missed a few birdie chances. I played quite steady today and hopefully I can shoot better tomorrow.”
“I’m looking to get into a good position on Sunday. If I keep playing it steady like I did today, I will stand a strong chance,” he said.
Taiwan’s Lien Lu-sen was one of a group of players a shot further back on 3-under.
New Zealander Mark Brown, who comfortably leads the Asian Tour order of merit, had a poor day, shooting a 7-over 78 to be fourth-last.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely