Rio Takeda wins the LPGA Japan Classic after six-hole playoff

Rio Takeda won her first LPGA Tour title after defeating American Marina Alex in a six-hole sudden-death playoff at the Japan Classic.

The 21-year-old forced a play-off when she birdied the 18th, leaving both players at 15 under after the tournament was reduced to 54 regulation holes due to inclement weather on Saturday.

The pair both birdied the first playoff hole and made par on the next four holes.

But Japan's Takeda birdied the par-5 18th to edge out Alex, who could only find par.

The playoff victory, one of the longest in LPGA history, means Takeda earned a Tour card.

“I had planned to attend Q School in December and now I can skip that and play on the LPGA Tour next year, which is exciting for me now,” said the 21-year-old.