Japan’s Takumi Kanaya secured a convincing victory in the Asian Tour’s International Series Oman to record his first professional victory outside of his native country.
The 24-year-old from Hiroshima shot a final round one-under-par 71 at Al Mouj Golf to finish on 10-under and beat American Berry Henson and Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana by four strokes.
After taking the lead on day two, Kanaya was never caught and began the final rround with a one-shot advantage over compatriot Ryo Hisatsune. At the turn, thanks to an outward nine three-under-par, he had opened up a five-shot gap from Hisatsune and appeared to be coasting before he missed short putts on 12 and 13 to see his lead cut to three from playing-partner Sadom.
Despite the wind starting to strengthen and threatening to play havoc with his push for victory Kanaya then moved four ahead again when he birdied the 15th, but dropped a stroke on the next to return to three in front. The contest was virtually settled when he made a birdie on the 16t,h before Sadom dropped a shot on 17 to give his Japanese opponent a five-shot lead playing 18. Kanaya could afford the luxury of missing a 10-foot par putt on the last.
England’s Steve Lewton finished fourth, while LIV golfers Sergio Garcia and Joaquin Niemann tied for fifth after both shooting final round 74s.
For final the scores, click here.