Asians No Longer Fear Masters, Says Choi
Source: Agencies |
April 13, 2010, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
K J Choi showed lot of poise on Sunday as the South Korean came close to claiming the year's first major on Sunday.
Starting the day four strokes behind overnight leader Lee Westwood, Choi briefly joined Phil Mickelson in a share of the lead with eight holes to play before slipping back with bogeys on 13 and 14.
He hit back with a birdie at the 15th but could not mount a late charge, returning a 3-under 69 to finish in a tie for fourth with Tiger Woods.
"In the past ... the mindset of the Asian players was that when it comes to the Masters, there was a fear factor there, that we can't do it," Choi said.
"Now I hope that this gives motivation for the younger players, other players, that they can do it at big tournaments like the Masters."
Korea's Yang Yong-eun provided the breakthrough last year when he spectacularly overhauled Woods to win the PGA Championship while Choi had the Masters in his sights until a back nine wobble.
"I think the back nine was definitely exciting," Choi said. "The course was a lot longer on the back nine this year and you saw a lot of birdies and eagles and it just made the game much more exciting for the fans."
Choi, who had the added challenge of partnering Woods, displayed remarkable cool under the spotlight.
"I think it was more gratifying for me and the fans were very supportive and just playing with Tiger for the last four days it was a very good experience for me."
Starting the day four strokes behind overnight leader Lee Westwood, Choi briefly joined Phil Mickelson in a share of the lead with eight holes to play before slipping back with bogeys on 13 and 14.
He hit back with a birdie at the 15th but could not mount a late charge, returning a 3-under 69 to finish in a tie for fourth with Tiger Woods.
"In the past ... the mindset of the Asian players was that when it comes to the Masters, there was a fear factor there, that we can't do it," Choi said.
"Now I hope that this gives motivation for the younger players, other players, that they can do it at big tournaments like the Masters."
Korea's Yang Yong-eun provided the breakthrough last year when he spectacularly overhauled Woods to win the PGA Championship while Choi had the Masters in his sights until a back nine wobble.
"I think the back nine was definitely exciting," Choi said. "The course was a lot longer on the back nine this year and you saw a lot of birdies and eagles and it just made the game much more exciting for the fans."
Choi, who had the added challenge of partnering Woods, displayed remarkable cool under the spotlight.
"I think it was more gratifying for me and the fans were very supportive and just playing with Tiger for the last four days it was a very good experience for me."
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