South Korea's Yang Yong-Eun ensured a fitting finale to "Asia's Major" by claiming the HSBC Champions title yesterday.

The unheralded 34-year-old secured a two-stroke victory over favorite Tiger Woods at Sheshan in Shanghai to claim the US$833,000 top prize.

World No 77 Yang coolly slotted home a par putt at the 18th for a round of 69 and a 14-under total of 274.

Speaking to reporters after his victory, a shell-shocked Yang said: "I don't even know why I'm here right now - this is such a big thing that has happened here, it's such a big moment in my life."

He said it was fellow Korean KJ Choi, who picked up his third US PGA tour title last year, who was leading the way forward for Asian golfers.

"When KJ won in the US, I felt like Korean and Asian players could eventually follow in his footsteps and have a chance to win in the world."

Thousands of fans descended on Sheshan International Golf Club throughout the four-day US$5 million tournament, now in its second year.

Yang is a regular on the Japanese tour and rarely plays outside Asia. He swept into contention with a 67 in Saturday's blustery conditions, the day that helped bury Woods' ambitions when he struggled to a round of 73.

"I had my chances and yesterday (Saturday) was the day," said Woods."If I could have hung in there, I could have challenged for the tournament yesterday but I was just too far back. And Yang played a great stretch of holes there and put it out of reach for all of us."

Woods, who attracted huge crowds over the four days, said Yang's victory showed how golf was changing.

"It's become more in depth now, you look at each and every field now, any guy can win. That wasn't the case 15 to 20 years ago but now that's changed. Guys are better mentally."

The American also finished second place in last year's inaugural event.

Players from the Chinese mainland made up seven of the last 13 in the field, with Zhang Liangwei the best performer, finishing joint 51st.

Despite home players' lack of success, organizers were delighted with the tournament.

Giles Morgan, head of sports sponsorship and marketing at HSBC, said:

"I think the most pleasing thing about this year is that many of the players are dubbing this the 'Asian Major' and we are only in our second year.

"It's the biggest golf tournament in Asia in terms of prize money, but to gain that sense of affirmation from the players is essential, so we are very pleased."

Course managers worked extensively over the year to address challenges and problems that arose during the inaugural tournament. Finally, the fairway was cut back about 10 yards, with the rough's difficulty increasing.

"The feedback from the players this year has been fantastic," said Morgan.

(China Daily November 13, 2006)