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Published: 12 Nov. 2015, 20:14

TENNIS

Chung becomes 1st Korean to receive ‘Most Improved’

Chung Hyeon won the Most Improved Player of the Year award by the ATP, becoming first Korean tennis player to receive such award.

The men’s professional tennis tour said Wednesday that Chung was chosen over Borna Coric of Croatia, Dominic Thiem of Austria and Bernard Tomic of Australia. The award is determined by the vote from ATP Tour players.

Chung, 19, was ranked No. 173 in the world, but has now climbed to No. 51. He won four titles on the ATP Challenger Tour in 2015. The previous recipients of this award include Michael Chang, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

The award ceremony is scheduled in London on Sunday, but Chung will not participate because he has to complete his basic military training.

BASEBALL

Veteran pitchers from Dinos announce KBO retirement

NC Dinos said Thursday that veteran pitchers Son Min-han and Lee Hye-chun have announced their retirement from playing in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).

Son, who made his pro debut in 1997 with Lotte Giants, will end his KBO career with a record of 123 wins, 88 losses and 22 saves with a 3.55 ERA in 388 games. The 40-year-old right-hander, who won the MVP and Golden Glove in 2005 with the Giants, joined the Dinos in 2013.

Son, who went 11-6 with a 4.89 ERA this year, is the oldest pitcher in the KBO to have 10 wins or more. The Dinos said he will be offered a job related to youth baseball.

Lee will leave the KBO with 56-48 record with 4.42 ERA in 706 games. The lefty pitcher, who made his pro debut with Doosan Bears in 1998, joined the Dinos in 2014. He has played 46 games in the postseason, more than any other player in the KBO.

The 36-year-old said he will continue playing baseball with Australia’s Adelaide Bite.

On Monday, Dinos pitcher Park Myung-hwan also announced retirement. The 38-year-old made the pro debut with the Bears in 1996 and played LG Twins before joining the Dinos in 2014. He will end the career with 103-93 with 3.81 ERA in 326 games.

By JOO KYUNG-DON