Asaji becomes first Japanese to win the Moutai Singapore Open with playoff win over Wang

Four-time JGTO winner Yosuke Asaji became the first Japanese to win the Moutai Singapore Open in nearly 50 years today after beating South Korea’s Jeunghun Wang on the first hole of a sudden-death play-off on Sunday.

Asaji made a birdie putt from six feet in the playoff, on the par-five 18th at Singapore Island Country Club, after Wang found water with his second and ended with a six.

This came after a dramatic finish in regulation play when Asaji, playing in the penultimate group, brilliantly made a difficult left-to-right breaking birdie putt from 10 feet on the last to set the mark in the clubhouse on 19-under. He carded a five-under-par 67.

Soon after, Wang, playing in the final group, faced an almost identical putt and remarkably also drained it for a 68, to force the play-off.

Asaji’s victory will come as no surprise to many, as his game has been in the ascendancy this year. In May he claimed The Crowns tournament on the JGTO and was tied0second in the International Series Philippines two weeks ago.

“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, who hit a fine wedge in close on the play-off hole.

“I think the putt for par on 15 was the most important one. This win means so much to me. It is my first win overseas – something I have always dreamed of,” said Asaji.

Ends.