CHONGQING, China (AFP) - South Korea fought to a 1-1 draw with fierce rivals Japan on Saturday to leave the East Asian championship hanging in the balance.

Yeom Ki-Hun scored for South Korea in the 15th minute as he flicked in a cross from Park Won-Jae.

But Japan equalised on 68 minutes when Koji Yamase, who was also on target in Wednesday's ill-tempered clash with China, buried his 20-yard shot from a corner.

South Korea finished the tournament level with Japan on points and goal difference, but ahead on goals scored. However North Korea can still clinch the title with a healthy win against China in Saturday's later match.

"I am not happy with the situation. We led the match but we gave it up again," South Korean coach Huh Jung-Moo said.

"One of the reasons is the lack of experience of some members on the squad. They have no experience in protecting a lead."

Japan coach Takeshi Okada, who took over following Ivica Osim's serious stroke in November, lamented a forgettable tournament by Asia's top-ranked team.

"I regret it, not because we could not beat South Korea but because we have come here to win the title," Okada said.

"In the first half, we were too soft."

South Korea won the inaugural title in 2003 and China won the last edition in 2005.

North Korea have two draws from their games so far while China have lost both their matches.