Nasa Hataoka captured her first title in over three years on Sunday after defeating compatriot Yuna Araki in a playoff at the LPGA Japan Classic, following the cancellation of the final round due to heavy rain.
Japan’s Hataoka prevailed in challenging conditions, winning on a shortened playoff hole – the par-four 18th converted to a 130-yard par three because of flooding.
The 26-year-old rolled in a curling 10-foot putt for par to secure victory as Araki, 20, made a bogey four.
“For a long time I wasn’t able to sink putts from that distance and even with good approach play, I couldn’t convert for birdie,” Hataoka said. “The distance of my final putt today tested me, and I’m glad I was able to hole it.”
Torrential rain forced officials to suspend play early in the final round, with extensive standing water rendering the course unplayable. The fourth round was cancelled, and the final standings were determined based on Saturday’s completed third round.
Hataoka and Araki both finished on 15 under par after 54 holes, one shot ahead of Women’s Open champion Miyu Yamashita, who placed third.
The victory marks Hataoka’s seventh career win on the LPGA Tour and her second LPGA Japan Classic title. She has recorded seven top-10 finishes this season, including five in her last seven starts.
“It’s been frustrating not being able to win for three-and-a-half years, but with the support of my team, fans and sponsors, I was able to get it done today,” she said.
South Africa’s Paula Reta shared 10th position on seven under.
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– AFP
Photo: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Article Link: Hataoka ends drought at LPGA Japan Classic