Hong Kong's Hak makes history

11-22-2008 | AFP

14 year old becomes yougest player to make a European tour cut

Panama Star HONG KONG. Hong Kong teenager Jason Hak, 14, produced a birdie-birdie finish to become the youngest player to make a European tour cut on Friday, smashing Sergio Garcia's record set in 1995.

Hak drilled a 150-yard approach on to the 18th green and holed a 10-foot putt, shaking his fist in celebration as he reached the UBS Hong Kong Open's weekend rounds with two scores of 70 for level-par 140.

Hak, who is aged 14 years and 304 days, beats Garcia's record of 15 years and 46 days set at the Turespana Open Mediterrania in Valencia.

"I feel pretty happy. I played pretty well and tried my best. I think that's important," he said.

Hak, who was born in Hong Kong but lives near Orlando, Florida, said Garcia was one of his favorite players although his idol was Tiger Woods.

But the slight six-footer said he had not considered his chances of becoming Asia's version of the world number one.

"No, I never think about that," he said. "I just try to play my best and not think about that much but control everything and keep it steady."