Baek Wins HanaBank Championship


Kyu Jung Baek survived a three-way sudden-death playoff to win the KEB-HanaBank Championship. The $2 million, 72-hole LPGA Tour event took place at Sky 72 Golf Club in Incheon, South Korea.

The 19-year-old closed with a 5-under 67 to tie fellow South Korean In Gee Chun and American Brittany Lincicome - who each shot 66s - in regulation at 10-under 278.

On the first playoff hole, the par-5 18th, Baek rolled in a four-foot birdie putt to secure the victory in her first LPGA start. Lincicome had a similar-length putt but missed, while Chun found water with her approach.

"Even before the playoff, I was in a similar situation for a similar shot with a similar break. When I played the KLPGA Championship," Baek said. "I focused and was aggressive."

Lincicome was disappointed with the outcome, but happy with her competitiveness. "I played so good today, hit so many good shots, especially coming in," said the 29-year-old Floridian. "A couple shots where I felt like it was going to be like right in the hole and came up short or something.

"Maybe just wasn't my day. But I think I shot 6 under today, obviously was a pretty darned good day just to get myself in contention. Can't be too sad I do like coming to Korea, though."

Baek became the fourth teenager to win on the LPGA Tour this season, joining Lexi Thompson, Lydia Ko and Hyo Joo Kim.

No. 2-ranked Inbee Park of South Korea carded a 67 to finish a stroke back; the 11-time winner - including five majors - on the LPGA Tour is still searching for a first victory in her home country.

Tied for fifth at 8-under were Michelle Wie, who carded her second straight 67, and Scotland's Catriona Matthew, who also shot 5-under.

Hee Kyung Bae began the final round tied for the lead with Baek but closed with a 72 to drop into a tie for 12th at 283.

Seeking her third title in the event, Norway's Suzanne Pettersen closed with a 71 to join Baek at 5-under. Defending champion Amy Yang of South Korea ballooned to a 76 to end up tied for 46th.

For all the scores, visit www.lpga.com.