N'western's Chun qualifies for British Open

The folks in Evanston, Ill., spent a late night/early morning trying to get news on whether Northwestern sophomore Eric Chun had claimed one of the four spots being awarded into the British Open from the International Final Qualifier in Malaysia. Their efforts—and his—were rewarded when the South Korean native finished in fourth place and earned a trip this summer to St. Andrews.

Chun made a birdie on the final hole for a second-round 71 and six-under 138 total, putting him in solo fourth position and avoiding a playoff for the final spot.

"I have never been so nervous in my life and I'm just happy it worked out well," said Chun, who turned 20 on Monday. "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 been anywhere near there! So I'm looking forward to it. I've only seen it on television and heard about it so to play there is amazing."

Chun's performance is a boost to organizers of the Asian Amateur Championship, which include officials with the R&A and Augusta National GC. His runner-up finish in the inaugural event last October earned him the spot in the Malaysian qualifier.