DAEJEON, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- Retiring veteran pitcher Koo Dae-sung had his last game in South Korea on Friday, ending his 18-year pro baseball career in three countries that also include the U.S. and Japan.

The 41-year-old southpaw of Daejeon-based Hanwha Eagles started his farewell game with Samsung Lions at Daejeon Baseball Stadium and pitched against the first Lions hitter. He struck him out and bowed to the over 10,000 fans who cheered on him.
"I felt easier now that I threw the ball," said Koo after his last pitch. "I had no pressure on my retirement. I could clearly hear fans' cheers."

   He announced his retirement last month but he said he will move to the Australian baseball league, scheduled to start in November, and play for the Sydney Bluesox for two years.