Shiv Kapur made a fair recovery on the final day to come up tied 12th, as he ended the SK Telecom Open with a one-under 71 for a four-day total of two-under 286 in Seoul on Sunday.

But the man taking away the honours much to joy of the crowd was local hero, Choi Kyung-ju, who cemented his position as Asia's finest golfing export to the United States.

He fired a last round 69 to total 13-under 275 and completed a five-stroke victory over Fred Couples and Andrew Buckle, who tied for second at eight-under 280.

For the two-time US PGA Tour winner it was his third Asian Tour victory in his home country. Choi picked up a cheque for just under US $100,000.

Kapur, who two-and-a-half years ago won the Asian Games gold medal in Korea, was undone by a third round 76. He shot 69-70-76-71 over four days.

"As always, you feel like you played better than you scored. I was one-under through six holes and three-putted seven and three-putted eight and that derailed me. I got it back with a birdie on nine and played solidly on the back nine, but did not make too many birdies," said Kapur.

"I am happy with the way I am playing, but on the greens I could have been two or three better and that would have made a world of difference. I just have to learn how to save more shots out there.

"Overall, though, I came back decently from a bad round yesterday, so I will take a lot of positives into next week," he said.

"I have not been making those putts from 10 or 15 feet as much I would like. I made a couple of good ones today, but if there is anything to take away this week it is that I am not putting as well as I need to," Kapur said.

"The position I was in after two days, I would have hoped to finish better, but after yesterday to come back and shoot under par today was a good effort. There is room for improvement, but I am not too upset."

The other Indians in the tournament missed the cut.

Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand recorded a final-round 72 to finish another shot back in fourth at the Dong Lakes Golf Club, with Korea's Park Boo-won in outright fifth.

The 2004 SK Telecom Open champion, Simon Yates, mounted a solid defence of his title, finishing in a tie for sixth after a 69 on the last day gave him a four-round total of 283.

Choi, who now lives in Houston, was a clear fan favourite throughout the week and he had said yesterday that he was determined to win for his supporters.

He did not disappoint, adding the title to victories at the same event in 2003 and another at the 1999 Korean Open.