2021 Masters Champion Hideki Matsuyama signed off from The 153rd Open on Sunday with his best round score of five-under-par 66 to finish in tied-16th place, – 10 shots behind American Scottie Scheffler, who clinched his fourth Major title by four shots.
Related: Hideki Matsuyama makes his move at The Open
Reigning JGTO money list champion Takumi Kanaya posted rounds of 71, 72, 69 and 70 to end his campaign in a share of 40th place with his two-under-par 282 total while Riki Kawamoto closed with a 68 to finish tied for 63rd.
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Matsuyama entered the final round at Royal Portrush Golf Club in tied 34th place and was determined to stage his final charge up the leaderboard. He reached the turn in 33 after firing birdies on holes two, five and nine.
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He continued his charge with three successive birdies starting from the par-four 10th before a bogey on 13 halted his run. Matsuyama picked up another shot on 15 but returned it on the next hole with another bogey. He then parred this closing two holes to sign off with a 277 total.
“I did my best today and finished well, but I’m not in the top 10. I want to fight for the rest of the season to put myself in contention for a win,” said Matsuyama.
Kanaya, meanwhile, was pleased to have made the cut for the first time in five Open appearances and vowed to return as a stronger contender in future majors.
“I wanted to play better, but making the cut this week was a good experience. I want to create more birdie chances with my irons and use this week as a springboard. It was a big week for me, and I hope to play the rest of the season in the US,” said Kanaya.
