'Sollim Showdown' Victor: Seo Kyo-rim Claims First Major Win of Her Career

[Anchor]

Fans call the rivalry between Kim Min-sol and Seo Kyo-rim—both born in 2006 and emerging as the top rivals in domestic women's professional golf—the "Sollim Showdown." In their latest clash at the second major tournament of the season, Seo Kyo-rim clinched a thrilling victory to secure the first major title of her career.

Reporter Yu Byeongmin has the details.

[Reporter]

Seo Kyo-rim entered the final round as the sole leader with a three-stroke advantage over second-place Kim Min-sol. However, struggling with severe shot instability, she dropped four strokes through the 10th hole, handing a one-stroke lead to Kim Min-sol.

Victory seemed to be slipping away, but an opportunity arrived at the par-3 16th hole.

While Kim Min-sol stumbled with a bogey, Seo Kyo-rim successfully sank her first birdie of the day to return to a tie for the lead.

Unable to settle the match through the 18th hole, the players headed to a playoff where Seo Kyo-rim had the last laugh.

While Kim Min-sol made a costly error on her second shot, Seo Kyo-rim hit a fantastic iron shot to place the ball 90 centimeters from the cup, sealing the victory with a birdie and pumping her fist in celebration.

Seo Kyo-rim captured her first career major title along with a winner's prize of 270 million won.

[Seo Kyo-rim / KLPGA Championship Winner & 4-time Winner This Season: (Regarding her early slump) I think I pretty much gave up halfway and just played. Once we actually went into the playoff, instead of being nervous, I was filled with excitement, and I think that led to a good result.]

Claiming her fourth win of the season, Seo Kyo-rim has taken the lead in multiple categories including multi-wins, prize money, and player-of-the-year points, pulling ahead of Kim Min-sol who has three wins.

(Video Editing: Park Jung-sam)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.