Ryu eases to Asian Games women's gold

Ryu So Yeon shot another sub 70 round on the last day of the women’s individual golf competition at Doha Golf Club to consolidate her overnight lead and win the gold medal. The Korean’s performance also helped her country take the team gold as the women joined their male team mates in a clean sweep of the top prizes.

Starting with a comfortable lead, Ryu got off to a perfect start with a birdie on the first hole and never looked back on her way to a round of 67 and a combined total of 263 (29 under par).

“We are all athletes and no athlete competes for silver medals,” said Ryu as she savoured victory. “I had to keep up with my people’s expectations so I had to win something. I’m happy that I met their expectation.

“There are a lot of people who helped me win this medal, so it’s hard for me to choose one person from many [to thank]. I would like to continue my golf. I will try hard and want to play in Japan and the United States."

Taking the silver medal was Japan’s Mika Miyazato, whose late surge of three birdies over the last three holes for a 67 gave her a total of 272 – one shot ahead of Korea’s Choi He Yong and Tseng Ya Ni.

Speaking after her round, Miyazato said, “I missed a few putts on the first nine, but the second half was very good for me. It’s a different course. It’s hard to play when it rains and the wind makes it difficult as well.

“I tried hard from the beginning, but after the first day I couldn’t play well. It was hard to make a strong comeback after going down [giving away seven shots to Ryu in the third round].”

With Korea also storming away with the team gold medal after a combined total of 534 points, Miyazato’s performance helped Japan take silver on 547 points and Chinese Taipei finished in third with 550.

Talking about the difference in the teams’ performances, Ryu added, “The Chinese and Japanese teams are good because they practise a lot. But I think we practised more and that’s why we won.”

December 11, 2006

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