Shingo Katayama overcame a four-stroke deficit Sunday to win the Japan Open after shooting a final-round 68 that gave him his 17th career title and first this year.
Shingo Katayama holds the trophy after winning the Japan Open in Miki, Hyogo Prefecture.
Katayama climbed to the top of the leaderboard with four birdies through 14 holes and, despite a bogey on the 16th and missed short putts on the final two holes, went on for victory on 2-under-par 282 at Hirono Golf Club.
"I really wanted to get my first win of the year here in Hirono, which is reputed to be one of the best courses in the world, and I'm extremely happy that I made it happen on such a tough, outstanding course," Katayama said.
"I was four shots behind coming into the final round and no newspapers wrote about me. I have a small frame and I'm not a long hitter but I'll try harder to hone my skills to perform better."
The winner's paycheck of 24 million yen moved the 32-year-old into top spot of this year's money list.
Craig Parry, who had a 72 on a day when only six players broke par on the par-71 layout, finished tied for second at even-par 284 with Ryoken Kawagishi, the other coleader after three rounds who faltered with a 74.
Fudo wins Fujitsu
CHIBA (Kyodo) Yuri Fudo took full advantage of a commanding lead she built after two rounds to win the Fujitsu Ladies by three shots Sunday for her fifth title of the year on the Japan LPGA tour. Fudo won at 12-under-par 204.
Sakura Yokomine hit a final round of 70 on her way to a 9-under total of 207. Mikiyo Nishizuka also fired a 70 and was alone in third at 210.