Iwata makes triumphant return to the winner’s circle

Hiroshi Iwata reclaimed the Shigeo Nagashima Invitational Sega Sammy Cup after seven years after carding a superb final round of five-under-par 67 at the North Country Golf Club in Hokkaido on Sunday.

The 41-year-old fended off the spirited challenge from Tomoharu Otsuki, who fired a 65, to beat the latter by two shots with a 19-under-par 269 total, becoming the only second multiple winner of the tournament after Ryo Ishikawa (2014 and 2019).

Takumi Kanaya shot a 69 to finish outright third while Ishikawa, Ryuto Tokimatsu, Ryutaro Nagano and Junya Kameshiro were tied for fourth on 11-under 277s.

Australian Brad Kennedy, the 2018 champion, emerged as the best international finisher after closing with a 70 for a share of 14th on 280.

Iwata was elated after lifting the fourth title of his JGTO career, making up on the earlier miss at the Diamond Cup and the Crowns, which he finished third and tied second respectively. 

"It's been seven years since I last won here. The first win one was a come-from-behind victory, so I'm happy that I started in the lead this time and won," said Iwata.

"It was really disappointing to finish second in the Diamond Cup this year, and then I also missed out on The Open qualification as well as missing the US Open qualifiers cut through the playoff.

"I'm thinking of getting better every single day, it feels great to be back as the champion."

Although he never relinquished the lead held overnight, Iwata was relieved to have survived a remarkable comeback staged by Otsuki, who pressured him from start until the final hole.

Iwata had six birdies, including at the final hole, against one bogey while Otsuki reeled off nine birdies.

Otsuki, however, was let down by a costly double bogey at the par-four 14th.

"I approached today's round with the same feeling as yesterday," said Iwata.

"I drove the ball terribly from the tee today, I only hit fairway twice at the 1st and 18th holes. But my putting bailed me out today, I converted 80% of them.

"Otsuki-san improved his score tremendously, he really gave me a hard time today.

Kennedy is meanwhile taking plenty of positives despite failing to mount a strong challenge this week.

"I hit a lot of fairways, from the tee it's really good. Just really need to work on my yardages and give myself chances from inside ten feet, which I didn’t do this week," said the 48-year-old.

"Finishing 14th, but a lot of positives on this golf course that I love."