Shugo Imahira's season 2nd victory was achieved by unexpected ending. He was supposed to start the Final Round as a leader with 2 shot lead. The starting time was delayed for about 2 hours, but eventually it was called cancelled at 11:45 am.

Dunlop Phoenix Tournament 2019 was shortened to 54-holes event. Shugo will add 75% of the winner's prize money and kept his top position on the Money Rankings. Sponsor offered to give full 40 million yen to Shugo, and he gained 30 million to his rankings which added up to 157,169,312 yen. Now his lead against No.2 Shaun Norris was widened.

Once again, Shugo got the stormy weather to his advantage. His 1st victory of the season, the Bridgestone Open in October was also shortened to 36-holes game due to Typhoon. He did accomplish his goal to achieve multiple win this season, but he seemed to be not satisfied.
"I wish I could win by playing all 4 rounds, so winning by not playing 4 days seems to be not really a victory to me. I would like to win by paying full 4 rounds next time."

Although this week's tournament had to close by hanging on the end, Shugo's chance for defending his Order of Merit title is becoming closer to reality. 2 remaining tournaments offer 40 million yen each for the winner. Since No.2 position Shaun Norris had to withdraw this week to illness, Shugo now has 37,199,256 yen lead.

If Shugo could win at next week's Casio World Open, he will make that Order of Merit title concrete.
"I wish to make it concrete as soon as I could. I will fight strong next week to win and make it come true."