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Big win for Choi, tough loss for Toms at Players

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-05-17 07:54

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida - South Korean K.J. Choi showed supreme control and focus as he beat American David Toms in a sudden-death playoff on Sunday to become the first Asian golfer to win the Players Championship.

A birdie on the 17th looked to have given Choi victory in regulation but Toms ensured the event would go into extra time when he sunk a superb 17-foot putt on the last hole.

That could easily have been a momentum shifting putt but Choi kept calm, strolling purposely to the 17th tee for the playoff and making par while his rival bogeyed.

"When I started my day, one thing I told myself that I needed to do was to not get swept away by the cheers of the crowd, of the gallery, not get swept up in the pressure, by how other players were doing," he said.

"When David Toms made that putt on the 18th for birdie, the roar was as loud as something you would hear at the Masters. But I felt comfortable all day, with the whole situation and environment. I knew there were going to be a lot of the gallery cheering for David."

That was the case, but in the end the applause was for 40-year-old Choi, a former world No 5 who remains a popular figure among golf's fans - including a Tennessee-based supporters group - "Choi's Bois".

It was a miss from 3 1/2 on the 17th in the playoff that cost Toms and Choi said he knew as soon as the American struck the ball that victory was his.

Throughout the round it was clear Choi was in no danger of melting under pressure and, when asked to provide suggestions for young players, he revealed the mentality that has allowed him to win eight times on the PGA Tour, a record for any Asian player.

"You have to really be able to maintain your lifestyle. You have to be very regimented to have a long career out here on the tour," he said.

"I was able to do that, to main myself physically and mentally very well. I always felt I had the confidence, I train hard and practice hard.

"I think you need to live your life to the fullest. When I say that, I don't mean partying all the time. Live a systematic, regimented life and always be humble. That is my motto."

Reuters