Kuala Lumpur, June 11: Asian stars poured accolades on Korea's Lee Sung after he wrote a new chapter to his amazing golf career over the weekend.
Lee, who was born deaf, claimed a wonderful win at the Bangkok Airways Open which lifted him into 11th place on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit with winnings of US$141,945.
China's Liang Wen-chong, who did not play last week, leads the race for the prestigious UBS Order of Merit crown on US$438,252 as the Asian Tour enters its traditional summer break following the completion of 16 tournaments so far.
Lee's triumph was the perfect way to bring the curtains down to an exciting first half of the season.
The 27-year-old has often been hailed an inspiration by his peers due to his condition and his popular victory on the holiday isle of Samui was greeted enthusiastically by everyone on the Asian Tour.
Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han led the chorus of praise. "It is truly inspiring to see Lee winning against the odds. Golf is a game where feel and sound very much come into play as a solid golf shot sounds good and you know that you've hit a good putt from the sound of the ball coming off the putter face.
""Lee's dedication and commitment are wonderful traits that many aspiring golfers can learn and emulate. I would like to salute Lee for his winning breakthrough on the Asian Tour. He's shown a lot of consistency over the years and it was truly rewarding to see him finally land a big one."
India's Gaurav Ghei, seventh on the UBS Order of Merit, was also complimentary of Lee's victory, which included a course record nine-under-par 62 in the third round. "Lee is a fantastic player with a lot of talent. He is very consistent and I can't really pin-point any faults as he is very steady," said Ghei.
"I've played with him a few times and I think people should put aside his shortcomings and focus on his strengths. He has proven himself this week and I'm sure he will be able to deliver more wins in the future. Mentally, he is very strong."
Lee played baseball as a child but because of his impairment, he quit the sport as he couldn't communicate with his teammates. He gave up the baseball bat for golf clubs at the age of 16 where his father Kang-kun, who often travels with his son, honed his swing in the mould of major champions Fred Couples and Ernie Els.
Lee realised a dream in April when he played alongside Els in the final round of the BMW Asian Open, which he finished a creditable tied fifth, and the South African star was impressed.
"It must be very difficult for him doing what he is doing and he's doing unbelievable," said Els. "He's got a good golf swing. I'm not sure how old he is but he seems to be a very good player. He's a solid player. Keep working and he's going to have a big future."
Lee featured on the Nationwide Tour in the United States for several seasons before returning to Asia on the encouragement of his famous compatriot Choi Kyung-ju. He won the 2004 Qualifying School to signal his arrival in the region and slowly established himself.
Last season, smooth-swinging Lee finished 20th on the UBS Order of Merit, his best showing since 2004, and many predicted his winning break through would not be far off.
Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng, who finished three shots behind Lee on Sunday, wasn't surprised at all to see the Korean step onto the winner's podium. "I've know Lee for a long time now. He has a well-rounded game and is quite steady, especially with his putting.
"I'm glad that he won the event as he deserves it."
UBS ORDER OF MERIT – TOP-20
1. LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) 438,252
2. Anton HAIG (RSA) 427,685
3. Scott HEND (AUS) 332,460
4. Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 252,138
5. Simon DYSON (ENG) 216,260
6. Simon YATES (SCO) 214,330
7. Gaurav GHEI (IND) 213,629
8. Iain STEEL (MAS) 191,609
9. Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 185,549
10. Frankie MINOZA (PHI) 165,622
11. LEE Sung (KOR) 141,945
12. Adam BLYTH (AUS) 139,997
13. KIM Kyung-tae (KOR) 137,556
14. BAE Sang-moon (KOR) 128,824
15. Scott STRANGE (AUS) 121,795
16. Unho PARK (AUS) 110,922
17. Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 107,305
18. Jason KNUTZON (USA) 105,258
19. Shiv KAPUR (IND) 104,504
20. Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 101,054
