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S. Korean golfers fail to extend dominance in China

October 27, 2014

South African Lee-Anne Pace records her first win at the Blue Bay LPGA

Michelle Wie reacts after sinking a birdie putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the KEB Hana Bank Championship golf tournament at Sky72 Golf Club in Incheon, South Korea, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014.(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

By Brian Han

A South Korean golfer failed to step up this past weekend and win at the Blue Bay LPGA in China.

Truth be told, that’s a lot to ask especially when the country’s top ranked golfers such as No. 1 Park Inbee, No. 7 Ryu So-yeon and No. 10 Kim Hyo-joo were not present to extend a recent South Korean dominance that resulted in seven wins in the last ten tournaments.

Top ranked American in the field, No.5 Michelle Wie came in tied-for-third with compatriot and friend, Jessica Korda.

No. 25 Chella Choi played three solid rounds and came in tied-for-fifth giving her the best finish among South Korean players.

Despite the American and Korean players that have commanded the 2014 season, No. 29 Lee-Anne Pace from South Africa came up with her first LPGA victory after shooting a 16-under 200. The unexpectedly strong performance gave her a 3-stroke lead as she clearly outplayed the rest of the field.

The LPGA will travel to Taiwan, Japan, Mexico and then back to the U.S. for its end of the year Tour Championship.

If history is any indicator, the Americans and South Koreans might not be so lucky next week at Fubon LPGA Taiwan Championship. Norwegian golfer Suzann Pettersen, ranked No. 4 in the world, has shown that Taipei’s Miramar Golf Country Club is setup perfectly for her game, as she looks to win the tournament for the third straight year.