Sakuma wins LPGA Japan title after late hot streak

Omitama, Japan (AP) — Shuri Sakuma secured her maiden LPGA Tour title at the Toto Japan Classic on Sunday, finishing an impressive eight-under 64 in the final round, outpacing compatriot Aki Iwai by four strokes. Sakuma, who has claimed eight victories on the LPGA of Japan Tour prior to this win, ended the tournament with a total score of 20-under 268.

This triumph will enable her to join the ranks of the LPGA Tour, and she pocketed a prize money of $315,000 for her triumph. Iwai, who led by a single stroke after the third round, dropped to 71 for an overall total of 272. In third place was Erika Hara from Japan, who was 71 points behind with a 70 over the four days. The event was held at the Taiheiyo Club, just north of Tokyo.

Arpichaya Yubol from Thailand and Yuna Araki from Japan shared the fourth position, both six shots behind the winner. Yubol had an even-par round of 72 while Araki managed a score of 70. Defending champion Nasa Hataoka ended the day with a score of 71, tying for sixth place with three other players, all lagging seven shots behind the winner.

Hataoka was in the lead after two rounds and claimed the victory last year in a playoff during a rain-shortened tournament. The Toto Japan Classic is the final event of the LPGA’s late-season Asian swing, which consists of four tournaments.