They exercise secretively for a modicum of health and peace of mind in a country where the Taliban have stopped women from playing sports
Japan's Kensei Hirata held off an inspired Travis Smyth to win the Asian Tour's Shinhan Donghae Open by a stroke on Sunday -- his second victory in as many weeks.
The 23-year-old Hirata followed victory at the Fujisankei Classic on the Japan Golf Tour last weekend with a closing six-under-par 66 at the Ocean Course at Club72 in Incheon to finish 22-under par on 266.
Despite a bogey at the last, Hirata did just enough to hold off the charging Australian Smyth, who started his round in spectacular fashion with seven straight birdies to snatch a share of the lead at one stage.
Smyth added another at the ninth to card a remarkable 28 on the front nine holes.
The Australian parred every hole on the back nine for an eight-under 64 and a 21-under total.
Japan's Kosuke Suzuki, who started the day sharing the lead with Hirata, fired a 70 to take third on 18-under.
"Early on in the round I did not think I would win, so this is a surprise and honour," said Hirata, who becomes the fourth player from Japan to win the tournament, which was celebrating its 40th edition.
"I tried to play my own game. Even if I had looked at the leaderboard and seen Travis playing well I would have focused on that I was doing."
Hirata kept in touch with Smyth's lightning start by making an eagle, and three birdies in a bogey-free front nine.
"Bittersweet after shooting eight under, but not winning," said the 29-year-old Smyth, who was seeking a second victory on the Asian Tour.
"Seven under yesterday and then eight under today, amazing weekend. To fall one short sucks a bit, but my game is in a good spot."
ALSO READ:
They exercise secretively for a modicum of health and peace of mind in a country where the Taliban have stopped women from playing sports
Batsman Sarfaraz Khan is all set to play under Rohit Sharma in the Bangladesh Test series which starts on September 19
Brentford attacked straight after kickoff and scored in 22 seconds before Erling Haaland's double secured a 2-1 win for City
‘I try to keep reminding myself to stay within the tournament because if I do well in the tournament, everything else takes care of itself,’ said the Spaniard
Investigations are still underway into Fahad Al Muwallad's fall on September 12, and the results will be shared with the relevant authorities
Four-time champion Rashed Al Qemzi surprisingly missed out on a place in the six-boat qualifying shoot out
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, in his first Test assignment, aims to secure a series win
This gold medal marks the country's second podium finish at the championship