Tournament article

Dunlop Phoenix Tournament 2020

New early 20's stars take over the spotlight on Japan Tour! Takumi Kanaya wins 4 extra hole playoff

Winner of Dunlop Phoenix 2020 needed 4 extra holes to decide and it was battle between Takumi Kanaya a senior at Tohoku Fukushi University vs Tomohiro Ishizaka a junior at Japan Wellness Sports University. Playoff between college students and also rookies was first time in JGTO history.

They were even through the first 2 extra holes. But flow changed on the 3rd hole. Tomohiro had 60cm tap in birdie chance, but Takumi answered it back by making a great 2.5-meter birdie putt. This led to place pressure on Tomohiro's tee shot mistake which lead to just saving his par, on the other hand Takumi took the advantage and finished with a 30cm winning birdie putt.

Usually, Takumi is very calm and quiet character, but he showed his joy by making a fist pump.
"It was tremendous game and my body just reacted. I never thought it will be a match between 2 college students. I am glad that we fought a really great battle with all of our might."

Takumi renewed the youngest winner record by Japanese player which was set by Hideki Matsuyama back in 2014 at 22 years and 271 days. Now the record will be 22 years and 183 days by Takumi.
"I am honored to have my name listed among the world's legendary players."

Takumi has won SMBC VISA Taiheiyo Maters last year as an amateur and became the 4th ever amateur to do so.
"I was on pressure that if I don't win my 2nd victory soon, I will be considered as a fluke. So, I really prepared well to achieve my recognition. I had anxiety about turning Pro. But finishing 7th and then 5th on my first 2 games and I have gained confidence. This led to my victory on my 3rd tournament. My confidence is becoming concrete."

With this victory, Takumi is now 3rd on Money Rankings. Due to pandemic, the 2020 season will be belonged to 2021, and Takumi has the chance to make "Rookie Order of Merit Champion". If he does, it will be the second rookie to do so since Hideki Matsuyama in 2013.

At the awarding ceremony, again it was all college students on the stage. Takumi as the winner and 2 Lowest Amateurs, Keita Nakajima sophomore at Nippon Sport Science University and Ren Yonezawa junior at Tohoku Fukshi University both finished at 8T.

"I guess there is not much difference between professional and amateurs now. The strongest player wins" concluded Takumi.