Choi Kyung-ju Leads for Three Consecutive Days. Reserved the 2nd Win of the Season

"Cannot miss this excellent chance."

The `Tank` Choi, Kyung-Ju (32. Superior) played marvelous games during the Chusok holidays and led the US PGA Tour Tampa Bay Classic (2.6 million dollars total prize money) for three consecutive days.

This is an excellent chance for Choi Kyung-ju to achieve the 2nd win of the season and to raise his money ranking because the top rankers including Tiger Woods (USA) are participating the American Express Championship, which is held at the same time.

Choi, Kyung-Ju recorded 3 under par 68 shots at the third round held at the Inisbrook Golf Course (par 71) in Palm Harbor, Florida on the 22nd, and marked the interim total of 14 under par 199 shots, and got close to his 2nd win of the season since the Compak Classic by leaving the runner-up Pat Palace (USA) by 5 shots.

Although his driver shots and puttings were not so impressive, he got 5 birdies with help of good iron shots, but he also got one double bogie.

If the 31st prize money winner of the US PGA Tour up to date (1,471,120 dollars) Choi Kyung-ju gets his 2nd win of the season and adds winning prize money of 468,000 dollars to his total, he can enter the top 20 and achieve a right to participate the Tour Championship, which will be held at the end of October.

Choi Kyung-ju said right after the third round, "I aimed for 3 under par today, and I got it," and showed confidence, "If I play the final round as comfortably as I did on the first round, a win is feasible." Choi Kyung-ju showed his nerve at the first hole (par 5) by making 6m birdie putting, and reduce 3 shots in the first half alone by making back-to-back birdies at the par 4 sixth and seventh holes.

Choi Kyung-ju, who made a 5m putting at the 12th hole (par 4), put a chip shot from the green edge to 1m away from the pin at the 14th hole (par 5) and made an easy fifth birdie, and led by 7 shots for a moment.

However, his play at the 15th hole, which made a double bogey with 3 puttings, was a `flaw in a gem.`

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com