Staff WriterYosuke Asaji etched his name into the history books at the Moutai Singapore Open, becoming the first Japanese player in nearly half a century to lift the trophy after a nail-biting sudden-death play-off against Korea’s Jeunghun Wang.
On the par-five 18th at Singapore Island Country Club’s New Course, Asaji held his nerve with a flawless six-foot birdie putt to seal the win. Wang, who had matched Asaji’s 19-under total in regulation, saw his hopes sink after finding the water with his second shot and carding a bogey six.
“It feels incredible,” said Asaji. “Today I was able to read the lines on the greens well, it was perfect. I think the putt for par on 15 was the most important one. This win means so much to me. It is my first win overseas – something I have always dreamed of.”
The victory moved the 32-year-old to fifth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit and second on The International Series Rankings.
A Performance Built on Precision and Nerve
Asaji’s road to the Moutai Singapore Open crown was built on a blistering front nine, where he rolled in five consecutive birdies from the second hole to seize early control. His putter stayed hot on the back nine, with a crucial par save on 15 proving decisive in keeping the chasing pack at bay.
Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan, who fired a 66, and Korea’s Soomin Lee, carding a 69, tied for third, just one shot adrift. Rattanon made a late charge with six straight birdies from the sixth and briefly shared the lead before bogeying 17.
Wang, playing in the final group, refused to back down. His ice-cold birdie putt on 18 forced the play-off, giving the Singapore crowd a fitting finale to one of the season’s most gripping events on The International Series — the elite tier of the Asian Tour that offers a pathway into the LIV Golf League.
“I finished strong on 17 and 18 and made a great putt on the last hole, so I’m really happy with how I played today — just a little disappointed about the play-off, but that’s okay,” said Wang.
“It just came down to a bit of bad luck in the play-off — I hit a great tee shot that landed on a downslope and ended up short, and then I caught the next shot slightly on the heel. But I’m happy with my game and just need a bit more luck next time.”
A Year of Momentum for Asaji
Asaji’s triumph at the Moutai Singapore Open capped off a stellar year that’s seen his form peak at just the right time. In May, he clinched The Crowns — one of Japan’s most prestigious tournaments — and finished runner-up at the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus only two weeks ago.
He becomes the sixth Japanese golfer to win the event and the first since Kesahiko Uchida in 1976, when the tournament was also staged at SICC.
Wang’s Return to Form
For Wang, the result was bittersweet but encouraging. The former European Tour Rookie of the Year, whose career includes wins at the Trophée Hassan II, AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, and Qatar Masters, looks to be edging back toward his prime form after completing nearly two years of national service in Korea.
Korea’s Bio Kim also impressed, finishing solo fifth after a closing 70, four shots behind the play-off mark.
What’s Next on the Asian Tour
The Asian Tour now shifts focus to the Middle East for the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, hosted at Riyadh Golf Club.
The US$5 million event serves as both the final stop on The International Series and the penultimate tournament of the season — a fitting stage for players like Asaji and Wang to continue their chase for continental glory.
