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Token Homemate Cup 2019
"Team Komei" couldn't get the job done
"Last season, my best finish was 6th, but this year I got to 3rd right out from the beginning."
Komei couldn't grab his 3rd victory at this event but made a good impression that the 2014 Order of Merit titleholder is back into the winner's circle.
One on the member from "Team Komei", Daijiro Izumida was also in the final grouping. The rivalry between them made the headlines, but both of them quickly got out of that contention at the trouble on the 2nd hole. Daijiro's tee shot was OB, and Komei's found the water on the right. Komei managed to keep it at bogey, but Daijiro blew it and ended up with a triple bogey.
"Maybe this rivalry thing got Daijiro too pumped up."
After Komei made the turn with 1 over for the day, he went on to make 3 straight birdies from 12th. On the Par 3 16th, he made the first 3 putt for the week. Eventually he made the backnine charge with 5 birdies, but it was too late.
If he had won, it would have been since 2014, and counted as his 9th victory in Japan Tour. But Komei got to solo 3rd, highest amongst the Japanese players. On the other hand, Daijiro plunged to 18 th.
"I guess it was a good lesson for Daijiro. This experience will be useful for his second win. I couldn't win today, but I think I was able to show Daijiro what is needed to win."