Fresh off a noteworthy performance, Takumi Kanaya, the reigning JGTO Money Ranking champion, is looking forward to embracing the significance of the Japan Open when it starts at the Nikko Country Club on Thursday.
Kanaya showed his class against the top players from the PGA Tour when he finished as the highest-placed Japanese in tied-fourth position at the Baycurrent Classic last week.
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He is now shifting his focus to putting up another strong performance at his national open, which he describes as very ‘special’.
“The Japan Open is a very special tournament for me. It is our national open that determines the best player in Japan, so I want to prepare well and win.
“I’m confident and well-prepared. I played well last week, but it’s also time to reset and do my best all over again,” said Kanaya.
A win at the Japan Open will hold extra significance as the champion will receive a spot at the Masters Tournament next year.
It is an exciting prospect which defending champion Shugo Imahira is confident and upbeat about putting up a strong title defence.
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“Winning the Japan Open and being able to compete in the Masters is kind of amazing. I know I’ll be competing against a very strong field but I also know I have the game to do well,” said the 10-time JGTO winner, who has two top-10 finishes this season.
The Japan Open features a strong field that includes international players such as Major Champion Adam Scott of Australia, Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana and South Africa’s Shaun Norris.
