Choi wins wire-to-wire in Hawaii

Choi Kyung-ju lifted his seventh US PGA Tour title when he won the Sony Open with a final round of one-over-par 71, completing a wire-to-wire victory on Sunday.

Choi, 37, ensured a strong start to the season in United States when he battled the windy conditions at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu for a winning total of 14-under-par 266.

He enjoyed his best season last year when he chalked up two wins and after his feat in Hawaii this week, he has now won in four consecutive seasons, making him the newest member of a very select club; only Choi, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh also have active streaks that long .

The former Asian Tour regular dropped two shots after 13 holes in Hawaii today but pulled one back with a birdie on the final par five 18th hole. Choi finished three strokes ahead of South African Rory Sabbatini.

Korea’s Kevin Na posted a 72 and claimed tied fourth spot after a 272 total while compatriot Yang Yong-eun was even-par for the day and took tied 20th position 10 strokes of the pace.

Swedish talent Daniel Chopra held on to a 73 as he closed with a total of 278 and claimed tied 32nd spot.

Asian Tour number one Liang Wen-chong shot a 74 to finish in joint 45th place. The Chinese star had previously posted rounds of 70, 66 and 70 and produced a 280 total, finishing three strokes ahead of fellow Asian Tour member Mitsuhiro Tateyama of Japan, who carded a 72 in tied 61st position.

In December, Tateyama earned his full playing rights in Asia when he claimed joint fifth spot at the Qualifying School Final Stage.

January 14, 2008

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