Singapore, Nov 9 (NationPress) In a remarkable achievement, Yosuke Asaji has made history as the first Japanese golfer to triumph at the Moutai Singapore Open in nearly half a century, securing his victory against Korea’s Jeunghun Wang in a thrilling sudden-death play-off during the USD 2 million event.

Indian golfer Ajeetesh Sandhu concluded the tournament in T-37 position, finishing with a total score of 9-under 279 after shooting a 70 (-2) in his final round on Sunday.

Asaji clinched his win by sinking a crucial birdie putt from six feet on the par-five 18th during the play-off, while Wang, unfortunately, found water with his second shot and ended the hole with a six.

In the battle for third place, Rattanon Wannasrichan of Thailand (66) and Korean Soomin Lee (69) finished tied, just one stroke behind, in the penultimate event of the season on The International Series, which includes premier competitions on the Asian Tour that provide a pathway to the LIV Golf League.

The finishing moments of the regulation play were nothing short of dramatic as Asaji, playing in the second-to-last group, expertly sank a tough left-to-right breaking birdie putt from 10 feet on the last hole to finish in the clubhouse with a score of 19-under after carding a five-under-par 67.

Shortly thereafter, Wang, competing in the final group, matched Asaji's feat by also making an impressive putt for a 68, pushing the competition into a play-off. With this victory, Asaji has climbed to fifth in the Asian Tour Order of Merit and second in the International Series Rankings.

This win serves as a culmination of what has been an exceptional year for Asaji, who previously secured victory at The Crowns in May, one of Japan's premier tournaments, and recently finished second in the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus.

"I am extremely happy. Today, my ability to read the greens was perfect," the 32-year-old exclaimed after the win. "The par putt on 15 was crucial. This victory means everything to me as it marks my first win overseas, which has always been a dream of mine."

Starting the day just a stroke behind, Asaji made an explosive start, recording five consecutive birdies from the second hole to take the lead. However, after 11 holes, he found himself tied with Rattanon, who also put together an impressive streak of six consecutive birdies starting from the sixth hole. Asaji regained the lead with a birdie on the 12th before making a pivotal 10-foot par putt on the 15th.

Though he missed a similar putt for par on the next hole, Rattanon's bogey on 17 allowed Asaji to maintain a narrow lead with two holes to play. Rattanon leveled the score with a birdie on the final hole, while Wang's birdie on 17 brought them into an intense finish at 18.

Asaji's victory makes him the sixth Japanese golfer to win the prestigious trophy, the first since Kesahiko Uchida in 1976, when the event was also held at SICC. Wang, who was seeking his first victory in eight years, expressed satisfaction with his performance despite the narrow loss.

"I finished strong on holes 17 and 18 and made a great putt on the last hole, so I’m pleased with my performance today. It was just unfortunate that the play-off didn’t go my way. I played well this week and just need a bit more luck next time," Wang stated.

Korean golfer Bio Kim finished solo fifth with a score of 70, four shots off the play-off. The Asian Tour is set to continue in the Middle East in two weeks for the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers at Riyadh Golf Club, which boasts a purse of USD 5 million, making it the most lucrative event of the season.