Golf:Noh Seung-yul made it a week to remember after the Korean teenager followed up his Malaysian Open victory by claiming one of four qualifying spots for the British Open.
The 18-year-old carded a four under par 68 on the final day of International Final Qualifying at Saujana Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur to finish 10 under, level with Danny Chia and one shot behind winner Hiroyuki Fujita from Japan. Korean amateur Eric Chun secured the final spot.
“I’m really happy but honestly it hasn’t settled in yet. I’m not going to let it get to my head,” said Noh.
“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.”
Two birdies over the final two holes saw Noh book a place at his first major after a bogey at the 16th threatened to scupper his bid.
Fujita, who made the cut at the 2005 Open, turned in a blemish-free 66 that featured six birdies to follow up yesterday’s 67 and seal his slot at St Andrews.
“My ball striking wasn’t really good but my putting helped a lot this week,” he said.
“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.”
Home hero Chia collected an eagle, four birdies and two bogeys in his 68.
“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 said.
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 but showed nerves of steel to sink a four-foot birdie putt for a 71 and grab 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 British Open takes place at the Old Course, St Andrews from July 15th-18th.