The Taegeuk Siblings' Heated Ticket Battle: "I'm Going to the Olympics"

'Genesis Runner-up' Kang Sung-hoon "An Byeong-hoon Chasing by 0.06 Points", 'Australian Women's Open Champ' Park In-bi Jumps to 11th Place

Im Sung-jae, An Byeong-hun, and Kang Seong-hoon (from left) are engaged in fierce competition for Tokyo Olympic tickets.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] The competition is already heating up.

This is about the Tokyo Olympic tickets for Korean men's and women's golf. What seemed like a straightforward Olympic race is unfolding fiercely from the beginning of the year. Especially in the men's division, the situation is foggy due to Kang Sung-hoon (33, CJ Logistics)'s strong performance. The Olympics select participants based on world rankings at the end of June. Each country can send up to two players. However, there is an exception allowing up to four players if multiple players are ranked within the top 15.

For men, it was likely that Im Sung-jae (22), ranked 32nd in the world (2.83 points), and An Byeong-hun (29, both from CJ Logistics), ranked 50th (2.27 points), would step onto the Olympic stage. Both players have steadily accumulated ranking points by demonstrating stable skills this season. However, Kang Sung-hoon made a remarkable achievement by finishing tied for 2nd place at the PGA Tour Genesis Invitational held at Riviera Golf Club in Pacific Palisades, California, on the 17th.

He jumped 32 places from 86th last week to 54th (2.21 points). The gap with Im Sung-jae is 0.62 points, but the difference with An Byeong-hun is only 0.06 points. From March to June, major and other 'big matches' will be held consecutively. A turnaround is possible at any time. Im Sung-jae's strength is his consistency, having made the cut 10 times in 11 tournaments this season. He is rising in the prize money rankings at 14th place ($1,886,968). An Byeong-hun has made the 'top 10' four times and is ranked 23rd in prize money ($1,419,115).

On the women's side, the flames are also sparking with the addition of 'Golf Queen' Park In-bee (32, KB Financial Group). She secured a commanding 3-stroke victory at the LPGA Tour ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open held at Royal Adelaide Golf Club in Adelaide, Australia, on the 16th. This was her 20th career win, her first in 1 year and 11 months since winning the Founders Cup in March 2018. She rose six places from 17th to 11th (4.42 points) in the world rankings last week, becoming the fifth Korean player to reach this position.

Park In-bee expressed confidence, saying, "Early season results are important to participate in the Olympics," and "Winning sooner than expected has lightened my mind." Korea's Ko Jin-young (25) has held the No. 1 spot for 30 consecutive weeks (8.53 points). She is followed by Park Sung-hyun (27) at 3rd (5.86 points), Kim Sei-young (27, Mirae Asset) at 6th (5.13 points), and Lee Jeong-eun6 (24, Daebang Construction) at 9th (4.73 points). Candidates also include Kim Hyo-joo (25, Lotte) at 13th (4.02 points) and Yoo So-yeon (30, Mediheal) at 18th (3.53 points).