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Posted at 12:34 p.m., Sunday, June 26, 2005

Wie falters as Birdie Kim captures U.S. Women's Open

Advertiser News Services

South Korea's Birdie Kim chipped in a birdie from the bunker on the final hole to win the U.S. Women's Open, as Hawaii's Michelle Wie faltered during today's final round at Cherry Hills Village, Colo.

Kim, 23, shot a 1-over-par 72 and finished at 3-over 287, two strokes ahead of amateurs Morgan Pressel, 17, who shot a 75, and Brittany Lang, 19, who shot a 71. Pressel was tied with Kim until the 18th hole, where she finished with a bogey.

Wie, the 15-year-old amateur, made three double bogeys, seven bogeys and just two birdies for an 11-over 82. She finished the tournament at 12-over 296.

Pressel and Wie were trying to become the youngest player to win a major golf tournament.

Kim, who changed her name to Birdie last year to distinguish herself from the other Kims on the tour, began the day a stroke behind co-leaders Wie, Pressel and Karen Stupples. Stupples shot a 78 today and finished at 292.

Annika Sorenstam, who was attempting to win her third grand slam of the year, shot a 77 and finished at 296.