Kenichi Kuboya triumphed at the first hole of a play-off.
Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan:
Kenichi Kuboya kept the Panasonic Open Japan trophy on home soil when he defeated compatriot
Katsumasa Miyamoto at the first hole of a sudden-death play-off.
Victory at the ¥150 million (about US$1.37 million) event was the first for the 45-year-old in five years and provided him with relief as he was facing the prospect of losing his winner’s exemption status on the Japan Golf Tour Organisation this year.
Kuboya produced final-day fireworks as he signed for a seven-under-par 64 to force a play-off with Miyamoto. Both compiled four-day totals of 11-under-par 273 at the Chiba Country Club.
It was advantage Kuboya when Miyamoto hit his tee shot out of bounds at the first play-off hole. He reloaded and saw that effort land behind a tree. Kuboya, meanwhile, duly reached the green in three and could afford the luxury of a three-putt.
“My back has been hurting recently and I was feeling the pain throughout the week. But surprisingly, it was okay today,” said Kuboya.
“I was on form with my putter all week. That really helped a lot. I felt bad for Miyamoto at the play-off hole. I’ve known Miyamoto for a long time and we are good friends. I’m going to drink lots of alcohol to celebrate this victory!”
Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines sank a putt for an eagle-three on 18 to soar into a tie for sixth place, his second successive top-10 finish in Japan.
Thai
Prayad Marksaeng’s final-day charge did not materialise as he signed off with a 72 for a share of ninth place alongside Bangladeshi
Siddikur Rahman.
