Noh Seung-yul made it a week to remember after the Korean teenager followed up his Maybank 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 on the Asian Tour's official website.
"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 ever 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 Wednesday'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.
11 March, 2010