Irish Eyes Are Smiling As Amateur Lowry Paints A Vivid Picture


Drogheda (May 17): A star was born when local hero Shane Lowry became just the third amateur to win on the European Tour - at The 3 Irish Open on the third extra hole no less. But what agonies the 22-year-old had to go through at County Louth before he got the better of England's Robert Rock in their sudden-death play-off. Son of a famous Gaelic footballer, Lowry was poised for glory when he pitched to within four feet of the final flag. But, having raised his cap to the ecstatic crowd as he walked onto the green, he was covering his face in it when he pulled the putt wide.

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Vernal Ladies Championship: Rain Inspires Saitoh To End Her Victory Drought


Tokyo (May 17): Yuko Saitoh's wish came true. The rain arrived and the veteran responded by emerging victorious in the Vernal Ladies Championship. One shot clear at the top going into the final round, Saitoh closed with a two-over 74 at the Fukuoka Century Golf Club in Fukuoka Prefecture. That gave the 41-year-old a three-day total of five-under 211 and a three-shot triumph from Japanese compatriots Miho Koga and Yuri Fudoh and Korean Lim Eun-a, the 2008 champion.

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In-Form Mukesh 'Snatches Victory From Jaws Of Defeat'


New Delhi (May 16): Mukesh Kumar defeated Vijay Kumar in a dramatic sudden-death play-off in the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) DDA Open Championship. Extra time was necessary after Mukesh and Vijay finished the regulaion 72 holes with identical scores of 12-under 268 at the Qutab Golf Course on Saturday. Vijay, who missed a four-footer for victory on the final green, then watched as Mukesh snared a birdie at the first play-off hole to bag his sixth title on the Aircel PGTI. The 43-year-old from Mhow has now climbed to the number one spot on the 2009 Aircel PGTI Order of Merit. This was also Mukesh’s second win of the season. Ashok Kumar finished third at 11-under 269.

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Yang Hangs Tough To Claim Historic China LPGA Tour Triumph


Beijing (May 15): Yang Taoli ensured a homegrown talent lifted the inaugural title of the China LPGA Tour on Friday when the Sichuan native came out all guns blazing to win the US$50,000 Beijing Orient Pearl Championship in a dominant performance. After leading Thailand’s Porani Chutichai by one stroke going into the final round, the 26-year-old Yang carded three birdies in her first five holes en route to a two-under 70 and a five-stroke victory. She finished with a 54-hole aggregate score of seven-under 209 at the Beijing Orient Tianxing Golf and Country Club.

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Winning A Men's Event Still Motivating Teenager Michelle


New Jersey (May 14): She may still be waiting to win her first event on the LPGA Tour. But you couldn't accuse Michelle Wie of lacking ambition or self-belief. Ahead of this week's Sybase Classic, the teenager was once more discussing her hopes of not only playing alongside the men, but actually winning a men's tournament. Wie said: “You know, like I always say, dream high and stuff, set your goals up high, and I think it’s definitely – I’m not saying it’s an easy goal to achieve. “I’m not going to be like: 'Oh, I’m going to go out and win a men’s event'. It’s not like that, but it’s one of those long-term goals where I see myself getting to. I see myself getting there, and it’s one of those goals that really motivates me and pushes me to be a stronger player, a better player.”

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China LPGA Tour Treat In Store For Amateur Qualifier Pan


Beijing (May 11): Amateur Pan Yanhong gave herself a belated birthday gift today when she shot a three-over 75 to win the Monday qualifier for the US$50,000 Beijing Orient Pearl Championship, the opening event of the inaugural China LPGA Tour season. The Hebei Province native, who turned 26 on Saturday, topped the 13-player field at the Beijing Orient Pearl Golf and Country Club when she closed with a strong back nine of even-par 36 after making the turn in 39. Also qualifying for Wednesday’s historic 54-hole tournament were fellow amateurs Liu Yu (77) and Xia Xin (79) who beat Zheng Yanfang (79) on a countback by virtue of a better back nine.

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