Quayle seeks breakthrough at Vantelin Tokai Classic

After a two-week hiatus, Australia's Anthony Quayle returns to action this week at the Vantelin Tokai Classic, continuing his relentless quest for his first JGTO victory.

The 29-year-old has shown consistent performance in recent months, securing two top-three finishes in his last six starts. This includes a joint third-place finish at the Shinhan Donghae Open in South Korea.

Quayle also delivered a strong challenge and finished tied for second at the Shigeo Nagashima Invitational Sega Sammy Cup in July.

“My form has been pretty solid and consistent so far. Right now, all I need is to stay patient and with a little bit of luck, my breakthrough maybe near,” said Quayle.

Quayle has ample motivation to excel in the upcoming three-tournament stretch, which includes the ACN Championship and the Japan Open over the next two weeks.

This is because the top eight JGTO money leaders through the Japan Open will secure a sought-after spot in next month's PGA Tour's ZOZO Championship.

With a maximum potential purse of ¥84,000,000 still up for grabs, Quayle, currently ranked 18th with ¥25,921,326, has a mathematical chance of breaking into the top eight.

The eighth position is held by Shugo Imahira, who has amassed ¥50,076,906 to date.

Interestingly, even a ninth-place finish might suffice for Quayle.

This is because Takumi Kanaya, currently in second place, has already secured his entry into the US$8,500,000 event by winning the BMW Japan Golf Tour Championship.

This will mark Quayle's fifth consecutive appearance at the Vantelin Tokai Classic.

He has performed commendably at the Miyoshi Country Club's West Course, having missed the cut only once and achieving his best finish with a tied 13th place last year.

Quayle is set to join a strong ensemble of international players vying for the title. This lineup includes his compatriot Brad Kennedy, South Africa's Shaun Norris, the Philippine duo of Juvic Pagunsan and Justin De Los Santos, and Yang Ji-ho from South Korea.

Since its inception in 1970, the tournament has seen illustrious winners, including American major champions Mark O'Meara, Larry Nelson, and Corey Pavin.

The tournament has also been dominated by international players in recent years, with the Philippines' Angelo Que, Norris, and American Chan Kim clinching titles in 2018, 2019, and 2021, respectively.

This streak was interrupted last year by Riki Kawamoto, who secured a one-shot victory over Yuto Katsuragawa.

Kawamoto returns to defend his title, aiming to become the first player to win in consecutive years.

He will face stiff competition from a formidable roster of the season's top players, including Keita Nakajima, Kanaya, Taiga Semikawa, Ryutaro Nagano, and Kensei Hirata.

Also contending are Hideto Tanihara and Tomoharu Otsuki, recent winners of the ANA Open and Panasonic Open, respectively, as well as Europe-based Rikuya Hoshino, whose participation adds an interesting dynamic.