Chung Joon wins Maekyung Open

South Korea's Chung Joon held off a late charge by Amandeep Johl of India to win the Maekyung Open by a shot on Sunday, sealing his maiden victory on the Asian PGA Tour.

The 31-year-old Chung fired a final-round 69 to finish at 13-under 275 while Johl, who twice tied for the lead over the final seven holes, closed with a 67 after bogeying the last.

"This is unbelievable," said Chung, who earned a cheque of $81,037 for his breakthrough success.

"It's my first victory on the Asian PGA Tour and the first since winning a local (Korean PGA Tour) circuit tournament in 1996.

"It has been a long seven years and I'll be aiming for another victory in the next seven months.

"I've messed up in final rounds on numerous occasions but it did not happen today. I think I've improved as a player over the years," added the Korean, who mixed five birdies with two bogeys on the last day.

The bearded Johl birdied 12 and 16, both times drawing level with Chung in the lead, but had to settle for second after running up an unfortunate bogey on 18, where his approach hit a camera tripod and ricocheted off the front of the green.

He left his chip short of the pin before two-putting to hand victory to Chung.

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, Asia's number one in 2001, closed with a 67 to finish third on 278, with Korean Choi Yoon-soo a further shot back in fourth after a final-round 70.

Defending champion Eddie Lee of New Zealand, who won last year's title as an amateur, closed with a 67 to tie for ninth, his best finish as a professional since joining the paid ranks last October.

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