Classy Nakajima wins again

Keita Nakajima has regained command of the JGTO Money Rankings after claiming a three-shot victory at the Mynavi ABC Championship in Hyogo on Sunday, securing his third title of the season and the fourth of his career.

The 23-year-old entered the final round with a narrow one-shot lead. However, an exceptional start, with five birdies in the first seven holes at ABC Golf Club, allowed him to distance himself from the chasing pack.

Nakajima added four more shots, including an eagle and two birdies, while trading with three bogeys, to finish with a second consecutive six-under-par 66, concluding the tournament with a record-breaking total of 24-under 264.

Nakajima surpassed the previous mark of 23-under set by JGTO legend Shingo Katayama in 2003, marking the first of Katayama's four victories in the tournament.

Nakajima secured a three-shot victory over South Africa's Shaun Norris, who also carded a 66, combining seven birdies with a single bogey to finish in second place.

With this win, Nakajima became the first player to achieve three victories this season, having previously won the ASO Iizuka Challenge Golf Tournament in June and the Yokohama Minato Championship in August.

"I was in excellent form this week, and I maintained my belief until the end. Perhaps that's what helped me win today," said Nakajima. "I'm extremely honored to surpass Katayama's record, and I want to work hard to set my own mark when I return next year."

After adding another ¥24,000,000 to his season earnings, Nakajima not only overtook Takumi Kanaya for the first time since the Panasonic Open in September but also established a healthy lead over him. Nakajima's total earnings now stand at ¥130,526,179, while Kanaya sits in second place with ¥111,005,999, having shot a 66 to tie for eighth place in the current tournament.

With four tournaments left on the schedule, Nakajima remains focused and cautious, saying, "There are still many tournaments coming up. I want to continue playing well and stay focused on the race for the prize money king title. I mustn't get carried away."

Norris, who celebrated his best finish of the season, is eager to finish the season strongly, starting with the Mitsui Sumitomo Visa Taiheiyo Masters.

"I am satisfied with today's results, and I am also satisfied with my play today. Unfortunately, I couldn't play well on the first day due to jet lag. I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do with the current momentum," said Norris, who also finished third at the ACN Championship and tied for eighth at the Japan Golf Championship.

"Of course, my goal is to win. I like the course next week, and I've had good results there before, so I'm looking forward to it. The greens are in great condition, and the course layout is excellent. It's a course I enjoy."

Tied for third place were last year's winner Mikumu Horikawa and Taiga Semikawa after both closed with rounds of 66 and 68, respectively, for a total score of 268.

Australia's Brad Kennedy, South Korea's Song Young-han, and Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines had a strong showing, with all finishing in the top 10, making it a successful week for international competitors.

Leading final round scores:

264: Keita Nakajima 63-69-66-66;

267: Shaun Norris (Rsa) 72-61-68-66;

268: Mikumu Horikawa 67-64-71-66, Taiga Semikawa 72-64-64-68;

270: Taihei Sato 65-67-67-71;

271: Brad Kennedy (Aus) 68-67-68-68;

272: Song Young-han (Kor) 65-69-71-67;

273 Shunya Takeyasu 69-70-70-64, Takumi Kanaya 68-72-67-66, Yuta Ikeda 68-66-69-70, Juvic Pagunsan (Phi) 67-64-70-72.