Rio Takeda Wins Toto Japan Classic in Playoff

Rio Takeda of Japan claimed her first LPGA Tour victory at the Toto Japan Classic, defeating Marina Alex from the U.S. in a dramatic six-hole sudden-death playoff. Takeda secured the win with a birdie on the par-5 18th hole, finishing at 15-under 201 after both players were tied at the end of regulation, with the tournament shortened to 54 holes due to rain. In the playoff, both competitors matched each other in the first five holes before Takeda took the lead on the final hole. The victory grants Takeda LPGA Tour membership for the upcoming season, a significant milestone for the 21-year-old golfer who has won eight tournaments in Japan this year. South Korea's Haeran Ryu finished in third place, one stroke behind the leaders. The tournament marks the conclusion of a four-event Asian swing for the LPGA Tour.