Tournament article
Vantelin Tokai Classic 2021
Chan Kim takes away the lead and also defends his "Driving Contest" champion title
After the 3R, 9 long hitters representing the Japan Tour gathered at the 1st tee to show off their powerful big drives. Chan Kim successfully defended his champion title.
Chan Kim was the 9th player to perform. But the announcement of the winner took 10 minutes after he made the shot.
Until Chan Kim's turn, Junya Kameshiro, who went as 2nd player recorded 331 yards and stood on the top. On the monitor, Chan's shot seemed to have gone over the 331 yards mark, but the call made by the staff was 323 yards.
All of the 9 players were wondering why it was called less than they all presumed. All waited for the rechecks on the video. Chan Kim was worried and sat on the chair with anxiety. Junya was also nervous of the outcome.
Finally, Chan's record was announced.
"It was 333 yards."
"I won!", shouted Chan and looked up to the sky.
"Sorry, Junya", apologized Chan and received the 500,000-yen prize.
"I send by gratitude to the sponsors for having this wonderful event for us" and bowed his 188 cm tall body politely.
Chan says this win was the effort of practice.
"On 3R, I was imagining the driving contest as I shot on the 2 of the Par 5s on my back nine."
On 15th, his tee shot measured 372 yards. He had 200 yards left but with the wind from behind, he easily got it on the green with 8I.
"I was able to hit both of the tee shots well. Thanks to that my short game got better too."
On tough Par 3 16th, he shot with 6I and placed to 5-meter to the pin to make 2 straight birdies.
Chan started out today at 2 strokes behind the leader.
"I hope I could accomplish to win my 2nd victory of the season this week."
Chan has won the JC Cup in December on this pro-longed season. As for the distance record on the tournament, Chan also leads with average of 330 yards.