Yuwa Kosaihira sealed his breakthrough on the JGTO after carding a final round five-under-par 67 to pip Yusuke Sakamoto to the title by one-shot at the Sansan KBC Augusta Golf Tournament on Sunday.
Related: Three-way tie at Sansan KBC Augusta
With his winning total of 18-under-par 270, Kosaihira also earned a measure of redemption after being denied his first win at the same event last year, where he lost in the playoff to Jinichiro Kozuma.
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Sakamoto, who started the day with a share of the overnight lead, settled for solo second place after signing off with a 69 while Ren Yonezawa (66) and Zimbabwean Scott Vincent (70) ended their campaigns tied for third with their identical 273 total.
Kosaihira issued his statement of intent early by storming out of the blocks with three birdies in his first five holes. After reaching the turn in 33, he parred the next three holes before another birdie on 13 sparked a spectacular run where he would surge further ahead with three consecutive birdies.
“I stayed patient throughout the round. The birdie on the 13th hole was a turning point. From there, I focused on playing smart and trusting my game,” said the 27-year-old.
He dropped his only shot on 16, but continued to remain composed to par his closing two holes to seal victory at the Keya Golf Club.
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“I felt calmer this year, especially compared to last season. On the 18th tee, I was nervous, but I kept reminding myself to stay confident. I knew I could birdie any hole if I stayed focused.”
“I knew making that par putt on 18 would give me a real chance to win. I don’t even fully remember the moment it dropped. I was so locked in. I’m really happy with my first win on the JGTO and look forward to producing more good results,” said Kosaihira.
