Super rookie, Takumi Kanaya returns to Dunlop Phoenix as Defending Champion and current No.1 Money Ranker. Due for having prolonged 2020-21 season, this week will be the second time for Dunlop Phoenix Open to be held on the same season.

Last year, as senior of Tohoku Fukushi University, Takumi Kanaya battled off with another university student, junior of Japan Wellness Sports University Tomohiro Ishizawa. It was the first time to have both university student professionals to battle out on the playoffs at Regular Tour tournament. Takumi won the playoff. This was right after he turned professional in October.

Last week, Takumi had the chance to win the SMBC VISA Taiheiyo Masters, which he won as an amateur in 2019, but had to give away the victory to Hideto Tanihara. But with solo 2nd prize money, he jumped up to No.1 on the Money Rankings. Now Takumi has the chance to aim for Rookie Order of Merit Champion, which Hideki Matsuyama has done back in 2013.

"I want to win this week and make my Order of Merit title definite."

Dunlop Phoenix Open will be held with spectators this week, and the 1st Round will be dedicated to the medical and health care workers. Players will be putting blue outfits or something blue to show their appreciation to the medical and health care workers. Also, special blue caps will be given out to the spectator. Players are all so deeply grateful that the tournament will be held under the pandemic circumstances. Players are devoted to performing their best games to make the tournament exciting s ever.