The world number one saved three match points before coming through a tense tie-break to complete a 7-5 4-6 7-6 (7) victory.
Kris Kim will fly back to Surrey on Sunday night having turned his focus to the English exam the first of his GCSEs – he will sit next Thursday. However, after his record-breaking exploits on the PGA Tour, perhaps it would be more appropriate if history was first up for the remarkable 16-year-old.
For all the colourful entertainment provided by the Premiership this season after the trauma of losing three clubs last term, Northampton Saints showed there is a steely resolve behind the fanfare.