S. Korean Hur Mi-jeong seizes first LPGA victory

SEOUL, Aug. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korean golfer Hur Mi-jeong lifted her first LPGA
trophy after edging out Swede Suzann Pettersen and American Michele Redman on
playoff holes at the US$1.7-million Safeway Classic held in North Plains, Oregon,
her agent here said Monday.
The 20-year-old rookie rushed to hit seven under in the third round alone after
opening the final round at 10th place with six under and tied with Pettersen and
Redman, jumping over to a playoff round.
Hur hit a 1.8-meter birdie putt on the second playoff hole to defeat the two
contenders, finishing the tour 13 under for a total of 203 to earn the $255,000
winner's prize.
Her victory marks the seventh LPGA title claimed by South Korean golfers in the
2009 season, including Ji Eun-hee's victory at the U.S. Open in July.
Meanwhile, South Korean teenage golfer Ahn Byeong-hun, the son of a renowned
South Korean table tennis couple, won the U.S. Amateur Championship, becoming the
youngest champion in the tournament and eclipsing the record set by Danny Lee of
New Zealand last year.
brk@yna.co.kr
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