Ko secures Open berth
Teenaged amateur Jimmy Ko Ming-chak will face some of the biggest names in golf after booking a spot in next week's US$2 million UBS Hong Kong Open.
The 18-year-old Hong Kong international was the only amateur to clinch one of the five spots on offer in the qualifying event at Fanling yesterday, joining professionals Derek Fung, Wong Woon-man, Chris Tang and Lokky Lee.
'I wasn't expecting to shoot such a low score,' said Ko, who fired a steady even-par round of 71. 'I'm really happy to have made it into the Open this time through qualifying. I have my short game to thank.' Ko will be making his third straight appearance in Hong Kong's oldest professional sporting event.
Veteran Fung, playing on his home course, carded the lowest round of the day - a three-under-par 68. He finished two strokes ahead of Wong. Tang placed fourth, one stroke behind Ko.
Lee sunk a 10-foot birdie putt in a play-off to beat fellow Kau Sai Chau teaching professional Ducky Tang and amateur Eric Saxvik for the last spot.
