Asaji becomes first Japanese in 49 years to win Singapore Open

Asaji becomes first Japanese in 49 years to win Singapore Open

Yosuke Asaji sank a six-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to become the first player from Japan to win the tournament since 1976.

Japan’s Yosuke Asaji said he had always dreamt of his first overseas win. (EPA Images pic)
SINGAPORE:
Yosuke Asaji sank a six-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole Sunday to become the first player from Japan to win the Singapore Open since 1976.

Asaji edged out Wang Jeung-hun on the New Course at Singapore Island Country Club after his South Korean opponent found water with his second shot and ended with a bogey six.

Both had finished on 19-under par after Wang forced the playoff with a dramatic, snaking 12-foot birdie putt at the final hole.

Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan and South Korea’s Lee Soo-min tied for third, one shot back.

“I am so, so happy. Today I was able to read the lines on the greens well, it was perfect,” said the 32-year-old Asaji.

“This win means so much to me. It is my first win overseas, something I have always dreamed of,” he added after victory in the penultimate tournament in the of elevated events on the Asian Tour.

Asaji got off to a flying start Sunday with five birdies in succession from the second to grab a share of the early lead which he would not relinquish on his way to a round of five-under 67.

Asaji becomes the sixth golfer from Japan to lift the historic Singapore Open trophy in the tournament’s 64-year history, but the first since Kesahiko Uchida 49 years ago.

The in-form Asaji, who finished tied second in the Philippines a fortnight ago, has shot to second on the International Series standings behind Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent, with the top two securing a place in the money-spinning LIV Golf League for 2026.

The final event of the 2025 series is the US$5 million Saudi International in Riyadh beginning on November 19.

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