Rio Takeda wins Toto Japan Classic after 6 sudden-death playoff holes for her first LPGA Tour win
Rio Takeda of Japan won the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic in a playoff that lasted six sudden-death playoff holes, defeating Marina Alex of the United States
By AP News
Published - Nov 03, 2024, 07:24 AM ET
Last Updated - Dec 16, 2024, 05:43 PM EST
SHIGA, Japan (AP) — Rio Takeda of Japan won the LPGA's Toto Japan Classic on Sunday in a playoff that lasted six sudden-death holes, defeating Marina Alex of the United States. It was Takeda's first victory on the LPGA Tour.
Takeda had a birdie on the par-5 18th hole, edging Alex with par.
The two were tied after 54 holes at 15-under 201. The tournament was restricted to 54 regulation holes after Saturday's third round was washed out by rain.
They were also even after the first five playoff holes in the sudden-death format, each with a birdie on the first playoff hole and pars on the next four holes. All of the playoff holes were par-5s — the 18th hole and the 13th.
