Choi wins Sony Open despite closing 71

HONOLULU, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- K.J. Choi struggled to a 1-over 71 Sunday, but it was good enough for a three-stroke win at the Sony Open in Honolulu.

Choi who held the lead after each of the first three rounds -- didn't even post a birdie in the final round until the 18th hole. He finished at 14-under 266 to pocket $954,000 at the first full-field event on the PGA Tour this season.

Rory Sabbatini -- hurt by two bogeys and a double-bogey -- shot 68 Sunday to finish second at 11-under 269.

Jerry Kelly, who won the Sony Open in 2002, fired a 67 Sunday -- his third 67 of the tournament -- to take third place at 10-under 270. Steve Stricker, Pat Perez, Steve Marino and Kevin Na tied for fourth at 8-under 272.