Noh secures St Andrews spot

(L-R) Chia, Noh and Chun celebrate Open qualification in Malaysia

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Noh Seung-yul capped a week to remember as he secured his place at this year's Open Championship by claiming one of the four places on offer at the Asian qualifier.

The Korean teenager won the Maybank Malaysian Open last weekend and followed it by finishing tied for second in the two-day qualifier at Saujana Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur to earn a place at St Andrews in July.

Noh fired a four-under-par 68 to end on 10-under, alongside Danny Chia of Malaysia, and one behind winner Hiroyuki Fujita of Japan who carded a 66 on Thursday.

Korean amateur Eric Chun secured the final spot as he posted a 71 to finish on six-under, just one stroke clear of compatriot Kim Dae-Hyun (66), South African Keith Horne (66) and Andrew Dodt of Australia (65).

A delighted Noh stated afterwards: "I'm really happy but honestly it hasn't settled in yet. I'm not going to let it get to my head.

"I'm more experienced now after last week and that has certainly carried over to this week. I treat every tournament the same and I'm looking forward to playing against the world's best."

Noh birdied the last two holes after a bogey at 16 had briefly threatened to scupper his bid.

Fujita, who made the cut at the 2005 Open at St Andrews, returned in a bogey-free second round that featured six birdies to seal his return to the Old Course in style.

"My ball striking wasn't really good but my putting helped a lot this week," he declared.

"There was a lot of good players here and I didn't expect to win so I'm glad to be able to win it and of course to play in a Major again."

Inspired

Local favourite Chia produced an eagle, four birdies and two bogeys in his eventful 68 and admitted afterwards he was inspired by playing on home soil.

"I always try to prove myself in front of the home crowd that Malaysian professionals can make it into the next level in golf and I did that today," he explained.

Meanwhile Chun, who finished second at the inaugural Asian Amateur Championship in China last year to earn a place in the competition, was level with five other players on five-under starting the final hole.

However, he held his nerve on the 18th green to sink a four-foot birdie putt and clinch the final spot.

"I have never been so nervous in my life and I'm just happy it worked out well," said the 19-year-old.

"I was really patient today and that was the key for me. Every putt I had out here these two days were as important as my last putt. All these other good putts led me to this opportunity.

"I haven't played at St Andrews before or let alone been anywhere near there! So I'm looking forward to it."

The Open Championship takes place at the Old Course, St Andrews from July 15-18.