KOREAN TEEN WONDER CLINCHES 10th WIN

　　新浪体育讯　Shin Ji-yai concluded 2007 with a romping win at the USD250,000 Orient China Ladies Open and now looks forward to help Korea win the Women’s World Cup and return to complete a hat-trick next year.

　　XIAMEN (China) Dec 16, 2007: Shin Ji-yai reeled in seven birdies to shoot a final round score of 5-under 67 to successfully defend the USD250,000 Orient China Ladies Open at the Orient Golf Club, here today.

　　Her three-round total of 13-under 203 gave her a five-stroke win over Chinese Taipei’s Tseng Ya Ni. The 18-year-old Ya Ni, playing in the same flight posted a final round score of 3-under 69 for a total of 208.

　　With the victory, Ji-yai, from Gwangju, Korea, capped a fine year by winning 10 events to take her 2007 earnings past the USD1.1m mark, after pocketing USD45,000 winner’s cheque today. This is certainly a big feat for the 19-year-old athlete in Asia.

　　Ji-yai’s achievements this year is certainly a new record on the KLPGA Tour, eclipsing practically every other records held by the more illusterious Se-ri Pak.

　　She declared her intentions to return next year to complete a hat-trick and also together with partner Ji Eun-hee (who finished fourth) wants to help Korea win the World Cup in January next year.

　　The bigger plan for Ji-yai is that she is bent on taking on the world. She said: “I want to go to Q-school to earn the USLPGA full card and then take on the world. I’ve already completed my two-year mandatory stay on the KLPGA Tour and is now free to go anywhere.”

　　With seven birdies against two bogeys, Ji Yai said she plans to take a short break for Christmas to catch up with her friends.

　　Ya Ni, who caught up to be two strokes behind Ji-yai at the 12th, faltered with double-bogeys on the 14th and 18 th.

　　“Shin (ji-yai) has a strong heart. When she gets a chance she makes it happen but it was not the same for me. My confidence got shaken when I see her play well,” said Ya Ni.

　　China’s players Zhang Na and Feng Shahshan gave a good account of themseleves to finish within the top 10. Zhang Na finished on sole fifth position while Shanshan is on tied seventh spot.

　　“It was a good effort from me but it was still not enough to win. I am a little tired especially arriving only two days before the tournament,” said Zhang Na, after the game.