SHIGA, Japan — In an exhilarating finish, Rio Takeda from Japan clinched the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic on Sunday, triumphing in a dramatic playoff that extended to six sudden-death holes against Marina Alex of the United States. This victory marks Takeda’s inaugural win on the LPGA Tour.

The defining moment came when Takeda secured a birdie on the par-5 18th hole, while Alex managed to make par, allowing Takeda to emerge victorious.

Both golfers concluded the tournament tied at 15-under 201 after the completion of 54 holes, as the third round faced cancellation due to heavy rainfall on Saturday, limiting the contest to three rounds.

The playoff was equally gripping, as neither player managed to gain the upper hand after the first five holes, with each achieving a birdie on the first playoff hole, and following up with par scores through the next four. All playoff holes consisted of par-5 holes, specifically the 18th and the 13th.

In the final round, Alex delivered an impressive 6-under 66, while Takeda posted a solid score of 67.

Haeran Ryu from South Korea finished just one stroke behind after regulation play with a score of 66, bringing her final tally to 14-under 202.

Japanese golfer Hana Wakimoto, who had led after the opening two rounds, struggled in the final round, posting a 1-over 73 and finishing three strokes shy of the leaders. She too was in pursuit of her first LPGA win.

The Toto Japan Classic wraps up a four-event series in Asia on the LPGA Tour, which also featured competitions in China, South Korea, and Malaysia.