Briefs

Arie soars to title, Choo slips to 12th

Overnight leader Arie Irawan of Malaysia clinched his second Asian Development Tour title at the US$60,000 ($78,000) ICTSI Eagle Ridge Invitational yesterday.

The 24-year-old Malaysian battled to an even-par 71 after trading two birdies against two bogeys on a blustery day at the Aoki course of the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club, reported asiantour.com.

Arie closed with a four-under 280 total to win by four shots over local young talent Miguel Tabuena, who signed for a second consecutive 72, in what is the seventh leg of the ADT schedule this season.

Singapore's Choo Tze Huang, who shot a 66 on Friday to move up to fifth, slumped to a 78 and finished joint-12th.

Sei Young leads by one from In Kyung

South Korean LPGA rookie Kim Sei Young defied gusty winds to fire a two-under 70 yesterday morning (Singapore time) to take the solo lead at the Lotte Championship in Ko Olina in the United States.

Sei Young had shared the overnight lead with compatriot Kim In Kyung, but a round that included five birdies and three bogeys saw her edge ahead by one stroke with a 12-under total of 204.

In Kyung had four birdies and three bogeys in her one-under 71 for 205. Defending champion Michelle Wie was eight adrift after a 73, part of a group of six players on four-under 212. 
- AFP.

Bjorn welcomes Pelley's appointment

Keith Pelley's appointment as the European Tour's chief executive in succession to George O'Grady has been welcomed by players' committee chairman Thomas Bjorn.

Bjorn had spoken to Pelley, 51, and is impressed by the president of Canadian conglomerate Rogers Media.

Said Bjorn: "The nominations committee handled the process in a professional fashion and shows precisely the trust the players have in the board." - Reuters.