Rio Takeda Wins TOTO Japan Classic
Rio Takeda of Japan clinched her first LPGA Tour win at the Toto Japan Classic on Sunday, outlasting Marina Alex of the United States in a playoff that stretched over six sudden-death holes.
Takeda secured the win with a birdie on the par-5 18th hole, narrowly beating Alex who made par.
The competition was tight, with both players finishing the regular 54 holes tied at 15-under 201. The tournament was shortened to 54 holes after rain canceled Saturday’s third round.
Throughout the six-hole playoff, both golfers showed resilience. They matched each other with a birdie on the initial playoff hole and continued with pars on the subsequent four holes, all played on par-5s, alternating between the 18th and 13th holes.
Alex had a strong final round, shooting a 6-under 66, while Takeda was close behind with a 67.
South Korea’s Haeran Ryu finished just one stroke back at 14-under 202, following a final-round 66. Hana Wakimoto of Japan, who had led after the first two rounds, fell off the pace with a 1-over 73 in the final round, finishing three strokes behind Takeda and Alex.
Read More: Nelly Korda Wins LPGA Player of the Year
This event in Japan wraps up a series of four LPGA tournaments across Asia, which also featured competitions in China, South Korea, and Malaysia.
