A historic success. By winning the 2023 edition of the World City Championship, Taichi Kho became the first Hong Konger to win an event on the Asian circuit. In the lead since Friday, the 22-year-old managed to maintain his lead at the end of the third round (-12 total) thanks to a card, in par, of 70 (4 birdies, 4 bogeys). This victory also grants Taichi Kho a ticket to the Open Championship.
Tabuena falls at the foot of the podium…
Behind, two lengths, Michael Hendry takes second place alone (-10). The New Zealander finished the course in 68 shots with 5 birdies and 3 bogeys. Travis Smyth climbs him on the third step of the podium (-9). The Australian returned a card of 66 thanks to 6 birdies and 2 bogeys. The fourth place (-8) is occupied by the South Korean Bio Kim and by Miguel Tabuena. 2nd before Saturday’s interruption, the Filipino was in more difficulty this Sunday. He finished his third round with a record of 72 (1 birdie, 1 bogey, 1 double-bogey).
…and won’t go to the Open Championship
The other three qualifying tickets for the Open Championship, at stake during this Hong Kong tournament, therefore went to Michael Hendry, Travis Smyth and Bio Kim. The South Korean took advantage of his best world ranking, compared to Miguel Tabuena (164th against 629th for the Filipino), to win the last invitation.
American Berry Henson, Thai Jazz Janewattananond and South Korean Yoseop Seo rank 6th (-7) in this World City Championship. Finally, the top 10 is completed by 9 players in 9th place (-6). This group is made up of Australians Sam Brazel, Zach Murray, Brett Coletta and Deyen Lawson, Thais Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Suradit Yongcharoenchai, Scottish David Drysdale, Indian Veer Ahlawat and South Korean Mingyu Cho.
