HONG KONG, 22 May 2015 (HK Golfer News Wire) - The hosts, who had grabbed the lead after round one before slipping into a tie for second on day two, could only compile a seven-over 151 over the New Course to end the tournament in sixth spot, their best placing since 1991.
The team, which comprised reigning World University Championship winner Tiffany Chan Tsz-ching, Isabella Leung Hei-nam and Kitty Tam Yik-ching, finished on a three-day total of nine-over 441 – Hong Kong's lowest in the tournament's 37-year history – as Korea (422) surged to a convincing victory.
The Philippines finished second on 436, while New Zealand rallied late to take third spot on 437.
Korea's Park Hyun-kyung was the standout performer during the week. Her seven-under total earned her the individual title.
Despite finishing just shy, Hong Kong national coach Brad Schadewitz was quick to heap praise on his young team: "It's disappointing when so few strokes separated so many teams – we were so close. The players didn't play poorly, they just didn't get anything going out there.
"In this era where players from Asia-Pacific are the up-and-coming stars of the game, for Hong Kong to be in the mix this week was exciting. To take the early lead was a special feeling – it made the team feel like they belonged."
In-form Chan, who successfully defended her NJCAA National Championship last week in Arizona, said that Hong Kong can look forward to contending in the tournament for years to come.
"We had the home course advantage but we definitely didn't take that advantage today," said Chan, who placed seventh in the individual standings. "It's a pity after such a great start to the tournament but we have made a lot of progress as a side.
"In the years before we didn't think we could really compete with the other teams. But right now, I don't feel like there's much difference between us all. I think Hong Kong is only going to get better."
Team Results (Full)
422 – Korea (140, 141, 141)
436 – Philippines (147, 143, 146)
437 – New Zealand (145, 151, 141)
438 – Japan (148, 142, 148)
439 – Thailand (144, 150, 145)
441 – Hong Kong (139, 151, 151)
446 – Chinese Taipei (152, 146, 148), Indonesia (146, 149, 151)
447 – China (148, 150, 149)
448 – Australia (147, 144, 157)
449 – Malaysia (148, 154, 147)
454 – India (147, 151, 156)
455 – Singapore (156, 147, 152)
Individual Results (Top 10)
209 – Park Hyun-kyung (Korea – 70, 70, 69)
213 – Jang Eun-soo (Korea – 70, 71, 72)
215 – Mary Princess Superal (Philippines – 73,69, 73)
216 – Minami Hiruta (Japan – 75,67, 74), Lee Joung-eun (Korea – 70,71, 75)
217 – Onkanok Soisuwan (Thailand – 72, 75, 70)
220 – Tiffany Chan (Hong Kong – 70, 75, 75)
221 – Ashley Lau (Malaysia – 73, 76, 72), Tian Qi (China – 74, 74, 73), Isabella Leung (Hong Kong – 69 , 76, 76), Hannah Green (Australia – 73, 71, 77)
