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Clearing a path for Asian tigers

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Millions of children do it - dream. You're a professional golfer chasing your first major championship title and leading by one shot coming down the 72nd hole. The world's finest player is breathing down your neck, the burden of history is weighing heavily on your mind and thousands of fans, plus millions watching on television, are waiting for the inevitable.

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Yet what Yang Yong-eun did next was hit the shot of a lifetime, taming the Tiger and changing Asian golf forever.

'I don't think it was the best pressure shot I ever hit,' he smiles. 'It was my best shot. Period.' Almost three months later, he still shakes his head in wonder at the memory.

For anyone who missed the dream becoming reality, it is worth reliving. World number-one Tiger Woods headed into the last day of the year's final major, the PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota with a two-shot lead over Yang and defending champion Padraig Harrington.

Woods had an astonishing 14-0 success record when leading a major after 54 holes and was widely expected to blow away his rivals.

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Yang, 37, playing only his second year on the PGA Tour, admits he felt the same way. 'I thought I had no chance of winning against Tiger, so I just tried to enjoy the moment. I mean, really, just playing a round of golf with the greatest golfer in the world is simply a great trip. Who knew the outcome would be so different?'

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