Soeda claims long-awaited breakthrough with Novil Cup win

10 years after turning professional, Yuto Soeda finally secured a career breakthrough when he won the Novil Cup on the Abema Tour on Friday.

Starting the day in tied second and one off shot the pace, the 27-year-old closed with a four-under-par 68 at the J Classic Golf Club in Tokushima Prefecture to win by one shot for his long-awaited maiden professional victory.

Even a bogey on the par-four 18th final hole was not going to deny Soeda, as his six-birdie tally was enough to offset two blemishes, with another being on 15, as he finished with a three-day total of 15-under-par 201, one shot ahead of Satoshi Hara.

"What a relief! It was close all the way to the final hole. I'm so happy that I have finally broken through. My first victory might have been a bit late. But it’s better to be late than never!" said a delighted Soeda.

"It's important to have a great start to the season, and it gives me a lot of confidence to keep bringing in good results as the season progresses. I’m looking forward to returning to my hometown in gifu prefecture to celebrate this victory with family and my 21-month-old child.

"I can't be satisfied just by winning this week because the ultimate goal is to top the money list on the Abema Tour and secure my main Tour card at the end of the season," added Soeda.

Hara, who was also tied for second at the start of the day, settled for a lone runner-up finish following a round of 69, which was marked by four birdies and a bogey.

Seeking his first professional win, too, Hara had the chance to force a playoff with a birdie at the last, but he could only manage a par.

Overnight leader Ryo Katsumata failed to capitalise on his good start and settled for a tied-third finish with Takanori Konishi on 203.

Katsumata birdied the opening hole but was pegged back by two consecutive bogeys right after that. He steadied the ship with two more birdies on seven and eight but failed to gain further ground over the last 10 holes.

The two international players left in the fray - Angelo Que of the Philippines and Han Lee of the United States - finished in a tie for 63rd on 219 and 69th on 225, respectively.

For full scores of the Novil Cup, click here.