Korean Golfers Place Second at World Cup
By Jonathan Sanfilippo
Staff Reporter
South Korea finished second behind the Philippines at the Women's World Cup of Golf Sunday in Sun City, South Africa.
After the two Asian countries entered the day tied for the lead, the Korean duo of Shin Ji-yai and Ji Eun-hee shot a 5-under 67 in best ball in the final round at Gary Player Country Club, while the Philippines' Jennifer Rosales and Dorothy Delasin posted a score that was two strokes better en route to winning the title.
''This is a very big day for the Philippines and for golf in the country,'' Delasin said on the tournament's Web site. ''This win is for all the Filipinos around the world.''
The Philippines ended the three-round, 20-team event with a total score of 18-under 198, while South Korea finished at 16-under 200. Japan and Taiwan tied for third at 13-under 203, and France came in fifth at 11-under 205.
Korea had a two-stroke lead midway through the final round, but the Philippines came back with birdies on six of the final eight holes. Delasin sunk a birdie putt from about 5 meters away on the 18th hole to seal the win and give the Philippines its first Women's World Cup championship.
''Korea played really well and gave us our money's worth,'' Delasin said.
South Korea continued its streak of finishing among the top five teams at the World Cup every year since the event deputed in 2005. Korea's Jang Jeong and Song Bo-bae tied for second in 2005, Lee Mee-na and Song came in fifth in 2006, and Kim Young and Shin took third in 2007, before Ji and Shin finished second this year.