Japanese golfer Nasa Hataoka won the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic in a playoff on Sunday after the final round was washed out by all-day rain and deemed unplayable. Hataoka and Yuna Araki had shared the lead at 15-under after 54 holes. It marked her seventh LPGA Tour title.
The Toto Japan Classic took place at Seta Golf Club in Otsu, western Japan. Nasa Hataoka and Yuna Araki shared the lead at 15-under 201 after Saturday’s third round. Hataoka shot a 4-under 68, while Araki carded a 7-under 65.
Sunday’s final 18 holes were canceled due to rain, leading to a playoff to break the tie. Hataoka prevailed on the first playoff hole against Araki to claim the title. She had shared the lead in each of the first three rounds with different golfers.
Other Japanese players performed strongly. Miyu Yamashita, who won the Maybank Championship in Malaysia last week, fired a 68 on Saturday and finished one stroke behind after 54 holes. Shuri Sakuma scored a 69 to end three back, and Ai Suzuki posted a 70, four off the lead.
Defending champion Rio Takeda, out of contention all week, had a 68 and finished nine shots behind. Australia’s Minjee Lee, a top player in the field, shot a 74 and ended 14 behind the leaders.
Hataoka’s win marked her seventh LPGA Tour victory, highlighting strong performances by Japanese golfers in the event.