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 | | Monday, 6 May, 2002, 01:03 GMT 02:03 UK Choi powers to maiden victory  Choi had never previously finished in the top three KJ Choi became the first South Korean to win on the USPGA Tour with an impressive victory at the Compaq Classic in New Orleans. Choi led over the final three rounds, finishing with a total of 17-under-par after Sunday's five-under 67. He finished four shots ahead of Australian Geoff Ogilvy and Dudley Hart. A former powerlifter who took up the game at the age of 16, Choi won for the first time in 74 Tour starts. He had never placed better than fourth, and his first prize of $810,000 was more than his combined earnings in his first two years on tour. Choi said of his victory: "I believe it will influence a generation of Korean golfers to come to the US and try out for the PGA. "In that sense, the win is very special." Lipped out Choi had at least a share of the lead throughout the final round, holding off a chasing group that included Chris DiMarco, David Toms and Phil Mickelson - all of whom began the week 11th or better in the world rankings. DiMarco lipped out a birdie putt at the 12th hole, bogeyed two of his last five and finished in a tie for fourth at 276. Toms bogeyed the 13th, double-bogeyed the 16th and ended up seven strokes back at 278. Mickelson, ranked second behind Tiger Woods, used a hot start to close to within two shots.
Choi took it slow and steady in the 91-degree heat as the field surged towards him. He had two birdies on the front nine for a one-stroke lead at the turn, and sank a 20-foot birdie putt to double that advantage on 11. Another birdie followed two holes later and Choi narrowly missed out on an eagle when his second shot on the 16th stopped on the lip of the cup. The Korean added another birdie on the 17th by chipping in from the rough to give himself a large enough cushion to bogey the last and still pick up the trophy. Final leaderboard (US unless stated) 271 KJ Choi (Kor) 68 65 71 67 | |
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