CHONGQING, China, (AFP) - South Korea clinched their second East Asian championship here Saturday after fighting out a 1-1 draw with Japan.

The fierce regional rivals finished the four-nation tournament level on points at five each and on goal difference. But South Korea, the winners of the inaugural 2003 event, won the title by virtue of goals scored.

South Korea had to wait until hosts and defending champions China came from behind to beat North Korea 3-1 in the final game. It was China's first win and North Korea had drawn their first two matches.