The Toto Japan Classic concluded with a thrilling finish as Rio Takeda clinched her first LPGA Tour victory after a six-hole playoff against Marina Alex.
Due to Tropical Storm Kong-Rey, the tournament was shortened to 54 holes. Takeda and Alex both shot impressive rounds, ending at 15-under-par, leading them into a playoff on the par 5 18th hole.
Both players birdied the initial playoff hole. They couldn’t be separated even after playing the 18th twice and then moving to the 13th. Again, they parred, returning to the 18th for more pars. Finally, on their fifth extra hole at the 13th, Takeda sank a short putt from left-to-right to secure her win.
Takeda’s Remarkable Year:
This victory adds another highlight to Takeda’s amazing year in 2024. Since April, she has claimed seven wins on the LPGA of Japan Tour, making this her eighth triumph and perhaps her most memorable! Starting three shots behind Hana Wakimoto, Takeda began strong with birdies early on but stumbled with bogeys at holes eight and nine. Some may have thought she was out of contention .
However, she fought back fiercely with birdies at ten and thirteen, an eagle on sixteen, and another birdie on eighteen. This comeback brought her level with Alex at 15-under-par before prevailing in the playoff battle.
Fans might think that such determination is what makes sports exciting!
What do you think about Takeda’s dramatic win?
