Chiba Prefecture, Japan: Yosuke Asaji capped an unforgettable week when he held his nerve to win the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup by one shot on Mother’s Day at the Sobu Country Club.

With his mother and wife following him throughout the final round, Asaji, who earned his spot by topping the Monday Qualifiers, kept his composure as he held on to his overnight lead with a closing one-over-par 72.

Asaji’s winning total of three-under 281 also earned him a spot at The 148th Open which will be held at Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland in July.

Chasing his first professional victory, the Japanese admitted he was fortunate his closest rivals failed to dislodge him from the leaderboard’s summit. 

Micah Lauren Shin of the United States dropped three shots on his inward nine and had to settle for a share of second place with Japanese amateur Ren Yonezawa.

New Zealand’s Danzel Ieremia and Korean YE Yang tied for fourth while Zimbabwean Scott Vincent shared sixth place with Korean Jang Dong-kyu.

Reflecting on his success, Asaji said: “I’m really happy as this is my first professional victory and it was such a tough battle out there today. I was up against so many quality players and I had to play my best golf. I was also lucky some of them did not manage to catch me.

“I got a lot of support from everyone this week especially my wife and my mother who are here with me. It’s Mother’s Day today and I’m happy I’m able to deliver the best gift to my mother on this special day. It’s unbelievable I’m also going to The Open now with this victory.

“This is truly a very special week for me, starting from getting through the Monday qualifiers, to winning the tournament and now playing in my first Major.”

The Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup was the Asian Tour’s first stop in Japan this season and second of four co-sanctioned events with the Japan Golf Tour Organisation this year.