Takeda wins Japan Classic after 6 playoff holes

Rio Takeda of Japan won the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic in a thrilling playoff against Marina Alex of the United States. Takeda’s victory came after six sudden-death holes, with a birdie on the final hole securing her first LPGA Tour win. The tournament was shortened to 54 holes due to rain, with Takeda and Alex tied at 15-under after regulation. Haeran Ryu of South Korea finished one shot behind in third place. The Japan Classic marked the end of the LPGA Tour’s Asian swing, which included events in China, South Korea, and Malaysia.