RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AFP) — Anthony Kim recorded his first top-10 in 14 years as Spanish youngster Josele Ballester won his maiden professional title at the Asian Tour's Saudi International.

Three-time PGA Tour winner Kim finished 14-under par in a six-way tie for fifth at Riyadh Golf Club on Saturday, his first top-10 finish since the 2011 Singapore Open.

The former American Ryder Cup player, now 40, recorded his best result since returning to the game in 2024 after a 12-year exile caused by multiple injuries, addiction and mental health issues.

"Obviously frustrating to not score better than I did," said Kim, who started Saturday's final round four shots off the leaders, only to finish eight adrift of Ballester after a one-under 70. 

"I had a lot of chances the first 11 holes but didn't make enough putts. I'm sure when I'm on the flight home, I'll feel better about it."

The 22-year-old Ballester won the 2024 US Amateur championship and turned professional in June this year, signing for the Saudi-backed LIV Tour instead of the PGA Tour's second-string Korn Ferry Tour.

He started the day one behind leaders Caleb Surratt and Dean Burmester but was one ahead by the turn and came home in six-under 65 to win by three at 22-under par.

American Surratt was second on 19-under with South Africa's Burmester two shots further back in third.

Filipino Miguel Tabuena made a strong push with a closing 69 to finish at the 11th spot. He, however, failed to catch the bus headed for LIV Golf League despite posting a sensational win in the International Series Philippines that was held at Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club last month.

Zimbabwe’s Sam Vincent and Japan’s Yosuke Asaji secured the LIV Golf League spots after finishing on top of the Order of Merit.

"It's been great these past few months. It's been a lot of learning," Ballester said. "When I joined LIV, I was not playing great, and it was a learning process.” 

"I had to become better. It's been really cool to see that in this brief time I've gotten so much better and that I can compete at the highest level."