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Individual winner Park Hyun-kyung. Photos: Daniel Wong

Oh so close: Hong Kong miss out on podium at Queen Sirikit Cup golf tournament

Young side has little luck on final day, but still posts city's lowest total ever in event

Alex Jenkins

Hong Kong missed out in a bid for a podium place at the Queen Sirikit Cup after a disappointing final-round display at Fanling yesterday.

The hosts, who had grabbed the lead after round one before slipping into a tie for second on Thursday, could only compile a seven-over 151 over the New Course to end the tournament, which is also known as the Asia-Pacific Ladies Golf Team Championship, in sixth spot, their best placing since 1991.

Watch: Highlights of Hong Kong women's team at the 37th Queen Sirikit Cup

The team, comprising reigning World University Championship winner Tiffany Chan Tsz-ching, Isabella Leung Hei-nam and Kitty Tam Yik-ching, finished with a three-day total of nine-over 441 - Hong Kong's lowest in the tournament's 37-year history - as Korea (422) surged to a convincing victory.

The Korean team of Jang Eun-soo, Lee Joung-eun and Park Hyun-kyung with the Queen Sirikit Cup trophy at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

The Philippines were second on 436, while New Zealand rallied late to take third spot on 437.

Korea's Park Hyun-kyung, who helped her side to their eighth title in nine years, had a seven-under total to earn her the individual title.

Despite finishing just shy, Hong Kong coach Brad Schadewitz praised his young team.

"It's disappointing when so few strokes separated so many teams - we were so close," said Schadewitz. "The players didn't play poorly, they just didn't get anything going out there.

Hong Kong's Isabella Leung Hei-nam on her way to a team-low 69 on the first day of the Queen Sirikit Cup at Hong Kong Golf Club.

"In this era where players from Asia-Pacific are the up-and-coming stars of the game, for Hong Kong to be in the mix was exciting. To take the early lead was a special feeling - it made the team feel like they belonged."

Chan, who defended her NJCAA National Championship in Arizona last week, said Hong Kong could look forward to being a contender in the tournament for years to come.

"We had the home-course advantage but we definitely didn't take that advantage [yesterday]," said Chan, who was seventh in the individual standings. "It's a pity after such a great start to the tournament but we have made a lot of progress as a side.

For Hong Kong to be in the mix was exciting. To take the early lead was a special feeling - it made the team feel like they belonged
Brad Schadewitz
This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: HK settle for sixth in Queen Sirikit Cup
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