A Korean middle schooler has won the Moscow International Junior Chopin Competition, one of the world's top three piano contests for youths.

Cho Sung-jin, 14, of Yewon School in Seoul overwhelmed 36 competitors from nine countries. He also won other prizes including the Polonaise, symphony and judges' choice.

Fellow Korean Ryu Eun-sil of Sunhwa Art Middle School finished fifth.

Young Korean pianists have performed well in the Moscow competition. Lim Dong-min tied for first and younger brother Lim Dong-hyek took second in the 1996 competition. In 2000, Lee Hyo-joo won first prize.