Kuboya outshines compatriot Miyamoto for title in Japan
PETALING JAYA: Japan’s Kenichi Kuboya kept the Panasonic Open Japan trophy on home soil when he defeated compatriot Katsumasa Miyamoto on the first playoff hole.
Victory at the ¥150mil (RM6mil) event was the first for the 45-year-old Kuboya in five years and also provided him with much relief as he was facing the prospect of losing his winner’s exemption status on the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) this year. The tournament was also co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
Kuboya produced the final-day heroics when he signed for a seven-under 64 at the Chiba Country Club yesterday to force a playoff with Miyamoto. Both were tied on 11-under 273.
Kuboya gained the early advantage when Miyamoto hit his tee shot out of bounds on
the first playoff hole.
After finding further trouble with his second tee shot which landed behind a tree and with Kuboya reaching the green in three, Miyamoto conceded defeat.
Said Kuboya: “I was not expecting to win at the start of the week as I had set for myself a top-10 target. So this win is definitely a bonus. I was on form with my putter all week, so that really helped a lot. I’m going to drink lots of alcohol to celebrate this victory.”
It was a disappointing final round for over-
night leader Kwang Jung-gon of South Korea. He could only card a level-par 71 to finish in a tie for third on 10-under 274.
Thai veteran Prayad Marksaeng also failed to sparkle. He signed off with a 72 that left him in a share of ninth place on 276.
Defending champion Yuta Ikeda of Japan struggled with the windy conditions for a 73 and tied for 36th place on 282.
Four Malaysians – Gavin Green, Nicholas Fung, Danny Chia and Sukree Othman – took part but all failed to make the cut.