Rikuya was able to pay back for the regretful play-off defeat from 2 years ago by winning on the oldest Open tournament of Japan. 24 years old Rikuya Hoshino has won this week's Kansai Open following his win at Fuji Sankei Classic last year to make his 2nd victory of the prolonged 20-21 season and, his 4th career victory.

Rikuya started out as one of the 3 co-leaders and was put behind by Chan Kim who was making the charge and went 2 shots ahead of Rikuya. The battle became as match play between Rikuya and Chan.
Then a dramatic showdown came on the 14th. Rikuya made birdie while Chan suffered a bogey to make it 2 shot swing. Then Rikuya made 8-meter for a out right lead birdie on 16th. On 17th, Chan managed to catch up with a birdie, but Chan's chase for the victory ended as he made a OB on his tee shot at final 18th.

Rikuya steadily saved par and the victory has finally rolled into his hands. In 2019, Rikuya has lost to his college senior Tomoharu Otsuki on the play-offs and he declared to make a revenge this year.
"I am so glad that I was able to come through with the goal I had. I am honored to have mat name engraved on such a historically prestige tournament like this."

This victory has made Rikuya go up the Money Rankings ladder to 2nd place. Now, Rikuya officially spoke out that he will make the challenge for the Order of Merit title.