Yosuke Asaji of Japan made history at the Moutai Singapore Open, becoming the first Japanese winner in almost 50 years. The 32‑year‑old won the USD 2 million event by beating South Korea’s Jeunghun Wang in a sudden‑death playoff on the 18th hole.
The dramatic finish came at the New Course of the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC). Asaji nipped the ball from a six‑foot birdie putt while Wang’s second shot landed in a water hazard, ending with a six. The win puts Asaji fifth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit and second on the International Series rankings.
Ajeetesh Sandhu from India finished tied for 37th, recording 9‑under 279. Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan (66) and Korea’s Soomin Lee (69) tied for third, one shot behind Asaji.
Asaji took a dramatic lead on Friday. Starting the day in third place, he made five straight birdies from the second hole, moving to the front of the leaderboard. He stayed ahead after a key par putt from 10 feet on the 15th. By the final round, his 67 (five‑under) kept him one stroke clear before Wang matched him with another 67, forcing the playoff.
“It was great to read the greens,” Asaji said after the win. “This is my first overseas victory and a dream come true.” His momentum this season is clear, after winning the Crowns tournament in Japan in May and earning a runner‑up finish at the International Series event in the Philippines.
Wang, who has been chasing a win for eight years, praised his performance: “I played well overall. It just came down to a bit of bad luck in the playoff.” He noted the tough tee shot and the subsequent mis‑hit, but he remains confident for future tournaments.
Other highlights from the weekend include Bio Kim of Korea finishing solo fifth with a 70, and the International Series setting up its biggest prize‑money event next month—the USD 5 million PIF Saudi International in Riyadh.
The Moutai Singapore Open showcases top Asian talent and offers a clear path to the LIV Golf League, making it one of the most exciting tournaments on the Asian Tour schedule.
Source: ianslive
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