Golf: NZ wins World Cup golf qualifier

NZPA

7 Aug, 2011 01:40 AM3 mins to read

Gareth Paddison of New Zealand plays an approach shot. Photo / Getty Images

The New Zealand team of Michael Hendry and Gareth Paddison has secured their ticket to China after winning the Omega Mission Hills World Cup Asian Qualifying at Seri Selangor Golf Club.

The pair, who are 6th and 10th on the One Asia Tour respectively, managed a four-under-par 67, highlighted by a chip-in birdie from the greenside bunker on the last hole to come from behind to win the qualifier.

Their four-day total of 13 under par 271 was matched by Lam Chih Bing and Mardan Mamat of Singapore, who then conceded in the play-off after shooting a final round 72.

The three teams to progress from the 12 countries contesting the World Cup Qualifier are New Zealand, Singapore and Korea.

"We worked really hard on our games to improve in our careers. It is great to represent our country in the World Cup and hopefully go on to make the country proud," said Hendry, who has won 16 professional titles.

The left handed Paddison from Wellington, who sank the bunker shot on the last, was delighted to win the qualifying after a final round of five birdies, one eagle and three bogeys.

"We combined very well. It has been a great week and we came here with the goal to qualify and it is a fantastic feeling. Somehow being left handed with a right handed partner worked for us on this course," said Paddison.

Paddison and Hendry will represent New Zealand on the big stage for the first time while runners up Lam and Mamat will be representing Singapore for the fifth time at Mission Hills from November 24-27.

Koreans Kim Hyung-sung and Park Sung-joon claimed the final entry to the Omega Mission Hills World Cup after nearest rivals India (Gaganjeet Bhullar and Anirban Lahiri) imploded with an eight on the par four 18th hole for a final round 80.

Lam and Mardan were delighted to represent their country again in the two-man team showpiece staged from November 24 to 27.

"We came here with the goal of finishing in the top three and we did just that. It didn't matter if we finished in first, second or third, just as long as we qualified for the World Cup. That's why we conceded in the play-off," said Lam.

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