Rory McIlroy finished tied for third as Korean young gun Bae Sang-moon successfully defended the Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open at Woo Jeung Hills GC near Seoul.

Bae recorded a one-stroke victory over compatriot Kim Dae-sub at Woo Jeung Hills Golf Club for his second big win of 2009.

“It just wasn’t to be today," said McIlroy, who closed with a one over par 72. "I really had a good chance to win but nothing happened for me on the back nine and Bae just played great. Well done to him."

Rory McIlroy trails teen rival Ryo Ishikawa by a shot after a first round comeback in the Kolon Hana Bank Korea Open.

Rory's new Twitter image was produced by aindreas.com. Is he a new gay icon we wonder?The Holywood native, 20, matched New Zealand young gun Danny Lee when bounced back from three over after eight holes to card a level par 71 at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club near Seoul.

Twittering from Korea, McIlroy wrote: "3 over thru 8 but finished at even so a pretty good come back even tho i bogeyed the last! but only 4 behind so still in good shape!"