This handout photo taken and released by the Asian Tour on March 26, 2023 shows Hong Kong's Taichi Kho celebrating after winning the World City Championship presented by the Hong Kong Golf Club. (PHOTO / ASIAN TOUR / AFP)

HONG KONG - Taichi Kho on Sunday became the first athlete from Hong Kong to win a tournament on the Asian Tour.

Kho won by two strokes over New Zealand’s Micheal Hendry at the World City Championship, earning him a place in The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool in July, local media reported. 

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung issued a statement congratulating Kho on his victory. 

"Taichi Kho's victory in the World City Championship on home ground, is a solid achievement of the Hong Kong golf sector's efforts in nurturing of young athletes over the years,” Yeung said.

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“Taichi Kho has proved the strength of Hong Kong athletes with his extraordinary skills. We feel honored and proud of him,” he added.

This handout photo taken and released by the Asian Tour on March 26, 2023 shows Hong Kong's Taichi Kho celebrating with the winner's trophy during round three of the World City Championship presented by the Hong Kong Golf Club. (PHOTO / ASIAN TOUR / AFP)

Yeung also said that the Hong Kong Golf Association and the Hong Kong Golf Club successfully organized the international competition, “just in time to undertake the outstanding achievements of Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Central and the Museum Summit, making Hong Kong continued to be an 'events capital'.” 

“We believe that this intense sporting spirit will continue into this weekend's Hong Kong Sevens," he said.