Kim denies Wie to clinch Dubai Ladies' Masters title

Dubai: South Korea's In-Kyung Kim belied her world ranking of 13 to clinch the 2009 Omega Dubai Ladies' Masters title and deny a late charging Michelle Wie.

The 21-year-old closed out three-shot victory with a four-under 68 for a four-round total of 18-under.

Honolulu's Wie put on a brave show with a strong rally but had to settle for second place at the Emirates Golf Club on Saturday.

Wie, who started the day six shots behind Kim, shot a bogey-free 7-under-par 65 to finish with a 15-under 273.

Wie looked to be finally living up to the star billing she was given when in 2003, as a precocious 13-year-old, she exploded on to the scene by becoming the youngest player to make an LPGA cut.

It took the American seven years and 81 professional tournaments before she finally lifted a trophy when last month she triumphed in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Mexico, beating fellow American Paula Creamer by a two-stroke margin.

"I was very excited to win this week, said Kim. "Michelle had a great turn and was very impressive but I just focused on my own game."