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Rio Takeda wins Toto Japan Classic after 6 sudden-death playoff holes for first LPGA Tour win
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Rio Takeda wins Toto Japan Classic after 6 sudden-death playoff holes for first LPGA Tour win

SHIGA, Japan (AP) — Japan’s Rio Takeda won the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic on Sunday, beating Marina Alex of the United States in a playoff that lasted six sudden-death holes. This was Takeda’s first victory on the LPGA Tour.

Takeda made a birdie on the par-5 18th hole and edged Alex with par.

The two were tied after 54 holes at 15-under 201. The tournament was limited to 54 regulation holes after Saturday’s third round was wiped out by rain.

They were also tied after the first five playoff holes in the sudden-death format; each had birdie on the first playoff hole and par on the next four holes. All playoff holes were par-5s – the 18th hole and the 13th hole.

Alex shot a 6-under 66 in the final round, while Takeda shot a 67.

South Korea’s Haeran Ryu was one shot behind with a 66 in regulation. He finished the competition with 14-202 points.

Japanese Hana Wakimoto, who was the leader after the first two rounds, dropped to 1-over 73 and finished three strokes behind the leaders. She was also looking for her first LPGA Tour win.

The Japan tournament capped a four-event Asian swing for the LPGA Tour that included events in China, South Korea and Malaysia.

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AP golf: