It was the first ever playoff by 2 tour rookies in JGTO history (started 1999).

When the playoff started, Tomohiro saw same uniforms gathering around the 18th green. They were Takumi Kanaya's college mates.

"I knew it will be tough and I will be the heal. I knew they were there to cheer for Takumi."

But that wasn't true. They were all fair sportsman.
It was shown, as on 1st extra hole where Tomohiro had 3-meter birdie chance, the gathered crowd yelled "go in, go!"

On 3rd extra hole, Tomohiro received same big applause as Takumi, when he made his birdie too. Tomohiro may not be in same college, but they are all friends and rivals since junior days.

"We cried together when we lost and celebrated together when we won."
The fair play spirit is shared regardless of which college they go.

The 4th hole which decided the battle, "I tried to play it safely and screwed up", recalled Tomohiro.
His shot ended up in the right-side trees and had to lay it up. His 3rd shot from the fairway couldn't catch the green and fell over to the roughs. He did play it well and saved par but lost against Takumi who got his 3rd shot from about same rough as Tomohiro to 1-meter of the pin and made winning birdie.

Tomohiro held his lead from 2nd Round, but he couldn't make his first victory come true.
"But I found out that I am not so behind, I would have my chances."

As he left the green quietly, many gathered around him to honor the great match by giving fist touches.
"I am regretful that I lost, but I was grateful that they also cheered for me too. They are great buddies"

Battle against Takumi was since they competed in National High School Championship.
"Takumi is really great player, and I admire him as a person too. He is my role model. I do regret that I have lost, but I am happy that I was able to play along with Takumi for final 2 rounds and compete well enough to be in playoffs. I will treasure this experience. I will work on not only my distances but also short games. So that I could deliver better course management."

He came by the organizing tent to thank the staffs afterwards. 21 years old rookie is filled with politeness and great spirit of sportsmanship.