Thailand wins big, China suffers at Hangzhou Asiad golf tournament

HANGZHOU -- Thailand's golfers secured two gold medals in women's events, while Chinese players fell short of expectations as the final round of the Asian Games golf tournament concluded here on Sunday.

The women's team from Thailand, comprising Arpichaya Yubol, Eila Galitsky, and Patcharajutar Kongkraphan, clinched the gold. 21-year-old Yubol recorded a 19-under 269, securing another gold in the individual event. Additionally, the Thai men's team earned a silver.

Host China delivered a subdued performance throughout the four-day competition, managing only a bronze in the women's team event.

Yin Ruoning, currently the world's second-ranked women's golfer and 2023 women's PGA champion, entered the tournament as a favorite for the individual event. Accompanied by world No 13 Lin Xiyu and Liu Yu, China boasted the highest-ranked golfers in the women's category. However, the rainy weather and damp course seemed to hinder their performance, with Yin ultimately tying for eighth in the individual competition.

China's male golfers also faced challenges in Sunday's final round. In the individual category, Chen Guxin tied for eighth, 18-year-old Ding Wenyi tied for 15th, and Wu Ashun tied for 21st. In the team competition, China claimed the sixth position.

To date, China has garnered 10 Asian Games golf medals, yet a gold remains elusive.

South Korea emerged as another dominant force. Im Sung-jae, Kim Si-woo, Cho Woo-young, and Jang Yu-bin collaborated to win the men's team gold. Im also bagged a silver in the individual category. Yu Hyun-jo clinched a bronze in the women's individual event and, alongside Lim Ji-yoo and Kim Min-sol, secured a team silver.

In the men's individual category, Kho Taichi of Hong Kong, China maintained his third-round lead, capturing gold with a 27-under 261. Hung Chian-Yao of Chinese Taipei secured a bronze. Additionally, Hong Kong, China achieved a bronze in the men's team event.

Aditi Ashok earned the women's individual silver, marking India's inaugural individual medal in women's golf at the Asian Games.

Golf made its debut at the Asian Games in New Delhi, India, in 1982. The Hangzhou Asiad was notable as the first instance where professional golfers were permitted to compete in the Asian Games.ｖｖ