26/03/2023
History has been written for Taichi Kho and for Hong Kong, China, on Sunday as the young star captured the rain-shortened US$1 million World City Championship presented by Hong Kong Golf Club (WCC) and became the cityβs first-ever winner on the Asian Tour.
Kho signed for an even-par 70 and a three-round total of 12-under 198 (64-64-70) to win by two strokes New Zealander Michael Hendry who finished tied on 10-under 200 (68-64-68). Remarkably, it was only the Hong Kong rookieβs third Tour start, while the win also gives Kho automatic entry into the 151th staging of The Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in July.
βI knew what was in front of me and just being at home in front of everyone, having my parents here, means the world to me. I just want to say thank-you to everyone,β said Kho. βI canβt put into words how happy I am to have this opportunity. I just want to say thank-you to everyone who came out here to support me, and thank-you to Hong Kong.β
Back-to-back birdies on the 12th and 13th - the last after his approach shot found the hole - gave the 22-year-old breathing space as players returned to Fanling in pouring rain early Sunday to complete the third and final round. And Kho showed no fear across the final three holes as he etched his name in the annals of Hong Kong sport.