Taiwan’s Lu Wen-teh hailed his first victory in China as a “dream come true” after a one-over-par 73 earned him victory at the US$115,000 Kunming Championship yesterday.
But Lu, 45, was forced to share the limelight with 16-year-old playing partner Benny Ye Jianfeng, who finished as runner-up, and 18-year-old amateur James Su Dong, who rose to third after an even-par 72.
“One of my golfing dreams has come true. I’ve finally won in mainland China,” said Lu, who posted a five-under-par total of 283 to finish seven ahead of Ye and 10 clear of Su.
PHOTO: AFP
Ye closed with a 76, 10 strokes more than his course-record 66 on the third day. However, he was delighted with his highest Tour finish.
“I’m so excited. I never thought I’d be here. Every time I play in professional events my aim is to just make the cut, so this is just great,” he said.
After letting another big lead slip with an error-strewn performance at the French Open on Wednesday, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka felt like getting as far away from the courts as possible. “Just want to quit tennis right now,” Sabalenka said after wasting a lead of a set and two breaks in a 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 loss to Diana Shnaider in the women’s singles quarter-finals. “We’ll see in few days. Hopefully I’ll get back on track mentally.” Sabalenka’s wait for a first French Open title continues despite the four-time major winner leading 4-1 in the second set and being two points from victory while
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