China

Inspired Liang soars to victory in Luxehills Chengdu Open

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-04-04 21:59

CHENGDU - A jubilant Liang Wenchong from China claimed the US$1 million Luxehills Chengdu Open on Sunday after a gripping play-off victory over South Korean Kim Hyung-tae.

Liang birdied the first extra hole on the par-five 18th to win at Luxehills International Country Club in the opening event of the season on OneAsia.

It was a wire-to-wire victory for the Chinese number one but he was made to work harder than expected after a spirited challenge by Kim.

Liang, who started the day with a three shot lead over Kim, shot a three-under-par 69 while the South Korean came in with a 66. They finished tied on 21-under-par 267.

"Wow! What a day. I am drained having led from the first round and then ending up in a play-off. To win in front of my home fans in this manner makes it so special. I am very proud," said Liang.

It was his second OneAsia victory as he triumphed in the Midea China Classic last year in Guangzhou.

In a thrilling back nine, Kim caught playing partner Liang when he birdied 11, 12 and 13. However, the Korean missed a short par putt on 15 to give his Chinese opponent a one shot lead.

More drama unfolded on the penultimate hole when Kim made a birdie two while Liang bogeyed meaning he was a stroke behind playing the last to the shock of the gallery.

Liang responded magnificently by holing a 15 foot birdie putt to force a play-off and send the crowd wild.

On the play-off hole he reached the green in two and hit an amazing lag putt from 60 feet to within a foot. Kim found a green side trap, recovered well but then saw his 20 foot birdie putt lip out.

"The way Kim was playing I really thought I wasn't going to win. On the ninth hole I really started getting some doubts and on the 18th I was also worried because I knew he would make an easy par. I have never concentrated so hard as I did over the putt to make a birdie and get into the play-off," added Liang.

In-form Kim won the KEB Invitational two weeks ago in Shanghai and came so close to recording an upset victory.

"My emotions are all over the place. After the 17th I thought I had it. Could have won and should have but it was a great week for me," said 32-year-old Kim.

South Korean Kim Do-hoon and Kang Kyung-nam ended in joint third place two off the lead. Kim shot 64 while Kang carded a 66.

Australian Kurt Barnes who began the day in joint second with Kim closed with a 69 and finished equal fifth with 19-year-old South Korean Kim Bio.

The next event on OneAsia is the 2.5 million dollars Volvo China Open at Suzhou Jinji Lake International Golf Club from April 15 to 18.