A thrilling showdown at the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic ended with Rio Takeda securing her first tour victory after a grueling six-hole playoff against Marina Alex.
The tournament, which wrapped up the LPGA’s four-event Asian swing, turned into an unexpected battle when both players finished at 15-under 201 after 54 holes. Alex delivered an impressive 6-under 66 in the final round, while Takeda responded with a solid 67.
The playoff became a test of nerves as both players matched each other shot for shot. They started with birdies on the first extra hole, followed by four consecutive pars, until Takeda finally clinched victory with a birdie on the sixth playoff hole while Alex made par. The entire playoff drama unfolded between the par-5 18th and 13th holes.
Name
Events
Top 10
Money
Anders Albertson
40
1
$556,905
We rarely see such intense playoffs in golf, and this one kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
South Korea’s Haeran Ryu came close but missed the playoff by just one shot, finishing at 14-under 202 after shooting 66. Meanwhile, Japan’s Hana Wakimoto, who had led the tournament through two rounds, struggled with a 73 in the final round and ended up three shots behind the leaders.
The victory marked a perfect ending to the LPGA’s Asian swing, which included stops in China, South Korea, and Malaysia. For Takeda, it was more than just a win – it was her breakthrough moment on the LPGA Tour, made even sweeter by achieving it on home soil.
