Rio Takeda wins Toto Japan Classic after 6 sudden-death playoff holes

SHIGA, Japan – Rio Takeda of Japan won the LPGA's Toto Japan Classic on Sunday in a playoff that lasted six sudden-death holes, defeating Marina Alex of the United States. It was Takeda's first victory on the LPGA Tour.

Takeda had a birdie on the par-5 18th hole and passed Alex with par.

The two were tied at 15-under 201 after 54 holes. The tournament was limited to 54 holes of regulation after Saturday's third round was washed out by rain.

They were also even after the first five sudden-death playoff holes, each with a birdie on the first playoff hole and pars on the next four holes. All playoff holes were par 5s – the 18th and 13th.

Alex shot a 6-under 66 and Takeda shot a 67 in the final round.

Haeran Ryu of South Korea was one stroke behind with a 66 after regulation time. She finished at 14-under 202.

Hana Wakimoto of Japan, the leader after the first two rounds, slipped to a score of 1-over 73 and finished three shots behind the leaders. She was also seeking her first LPGA Tour victory.

The Japan tournament marks the conclusion of a four-event Asian swing on the LPGA Tour, which also included events in China, South Korea and Malaysia.