The China Mail - Kim's first top-10 in 14 years as Ballester wins maiden pro title

Three-time PGA Tour winner Kim finished 14-under par in a six-way tie for fifth at Riyadh Golf Club on Saturday, his first top-10 finish since the 2011 Singapore Open.

The former American Ryder Cup player, now 40, recorded his best result since returning to the game in 2024 after a 12-year exile caused by multiple injuries, addiction and mental health issues.

"Obviously frustrating to not score better than I did," said Kim, who started Saturday's final round four shots off the leaders, only to finish eight adrift of Ballester after a one-under 70.

"I had a lot of chances the first 11 holes but didn't make enough putts. I'm sure when I'm on the flight home, I'll feel better about it."

The 22-year-old Ballester won the 2024 US Amateur championship and turned professional in June this year, signing for the Saudi-backed LIV Tour instead of the PGA Tour's second-string Korn Ferry Tour.

He started the day one behind leaders Caleb Surratt and Dean Burmester but was one ahead by the turn and came home in six-under 65 to win by three at 22-under par.

American Surratt was second on 19-under with South Africa's Burmester two shots further back in third.

"It's been great these past few months. It's been a lot of learning," Ballester said.

"When I joined LIV, I was not playing great, and it was a learning process.

"I had to become better. It's been really cool to see that in this brief time I've gotten so much better and that I can compete at the highest level."

The tournament was the final event on the Asian Tour's elevated International Series.

Zimbabwe's Scott Vincent topped the final standings to book a return to LIV Golf next season.

Japan's Yosuke Asaji won the other LIV place up for grabs after finishing second in the standings.

B.Carter--ThChM