Kanaya’s Fujisankei Classic Confidence-Booster

Yamanashi, Japan: Takumi Kanaya won his second Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) title in the space of three months after carding a three-under-par final round at the Fujisankei Classic.

The 25-year-old Kanaya, who won the BMW JGT Championship Mori Building Cup in June, posted a convincing four-shot victory at the Fujizakura Country Club.

One stroke clear at the top heading into the final day, Kanaya mixed four birdies with a lone bogey, securing the fifth JGTO title of his career and wrapping up the week at eight-under 272.

It was his third victory of the year having also won the Asian Tour’s International Series Oman in February.

Kanaya expressed pleasure that his consistent top-10 finishes in the past three tournaments finally culminated in a victory.

“It was windy today on this difficult course, and I was really tired. This win has given me another boost of confidence,” said Kanaya, whose latest success enabled him to reclaim top spot in the money list from Keita Nakajima.

Kanaya and Nakajima are both former number ones in the World Amateur Golf Ranking as well as past winners of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.

“I’m aiming for the top prize this year,” said Kanaya, who expressed his gratitude to the spectators.

He said: “Thank you very much to everyone in the gallery. Men’s golf is going to be even more exciting with so many young players coming out. We need all the support we can get from the fans.”

Naoyuki Kataoka, who started the day in second spot, failed to mount a strong challenge and settled for the runner-up position after signing for a 70. Kataoka recorded four birdies and four bogeys, finishing four-under-par overall, one ahead of third-placed Taichi Nabetani, who also closed with a 70.

Nakajima and Shugo Imahira both posted rounds of 69, tying for fourth with scores of 278.

American Shintaro Ban, who made his Tour debut this season via the Qualifying Tournament, was the best-placed international competitor this week after carding a 69 to tie for sixth place. It was the 27-year-old’s best finish of the season.