Rio Takeda continues his incredible form at TOTO Japan Classic

The Toto Japan Classic ended in dramatic fashion as home favorite Rio Takeda secured his first LPGA Tour title in a six-hole playoff against American Marina Alex.

After the tournament was reduced to 54 holes on Saturday due to Tropical Storm Kong-Rey passing through, it was Takeda and Alex who shot five and six-under-par rounds of 67 and 66 to move to 15 under in regulation play for the duo steered the par-5 18th hole into the playoffs.

Both played the par 5 and made birdie on the first playoff hole. The following pars meant that the couple could not be separated. After playing the 18th hole twice, both Takeda and Alex moved to the 13th hole, where they both parred again, as another par on the 18th hole meant there was still no winner after four additional holes.

When the duo parred the 13th, the fifth hole of the playoffs, it was home favorite Takeda who crossed the finish line with a short putt from left to right and secured her first LPGA Tour title.

The win means the 21-year-old continues her incredible run into 2024. Since mid-April, Takeda has so far recorded seven victories on the LPGA of Japan Tour, with the TOTO Japan Classic being her eighth and the best pick in a bunch!

Takeda started the day three shots behind her compatriot Hana Wakimoto and started the final round well, with two birdies in the second and third rounds. However, after back-to-back failures in eighth and ninth place, one might think the Japanese star has disappeared from the trophy list.

However, Takeda fought through and fought her way back into the fray thanks to birdies on the 10th and 13th, with an eagle on the 16th and a birdie on the 18th which meant she finished 15 under and alongside Alex, the They eventually defeated in the playoff.

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