Singapore, Nov 10: Japan's Yosuke Asaji scripted a historic victory at the Moutai Singapore Open, becoming the first Japanese golfer in nearly 50 years to lift the trophy after edging out Korea's Jeunghun
Wang in a thrilling sudden-death playoff at the Singapore Island Country Club on Sunday (November 9).
India's Ajeetesh Sandhu produced a steady performance, finishing T-37 with a total score of 9-under 279, closing with a 70 (-2) in the final round on Sunday.
Historic Win for Yosuke Asaji
In a nail-biting finale, Asaji birdied the par-five 18th hole in the playoff after Wang found water with his second shot and carded a six. The Japanese star sank a six-foot birdie putt to seal victory and make history as the first Japanese winner since Kesahiko Uchida in 1976, when the event was last won by a player from Japan at the same venue.
The win was a testament to Asaji's consistency and poise under pressure. He had earlier carded a five-under 67 in regulation play to reach 19-under-par, setting the clubhouse target. Moments later, Wang holed a clutch birdie putt on the 18th to force the playoff with a 68, setting up the dramatic finish.
Asaji's Stellar Season Continues
This victory capped an incredible season for the 32-year-old, who has been one of Asia's most in-form golfers in 2025. Earlier this year, Asaji won The Crowns tournament in Japan, one of the biggest events on the domestic circuit, and finished runner-up at the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus just two weeks ago.
"I am so, so happy. Today I was able to read the lines on the greens well - it was perfect, said an emotional Asaji. "The par putt on 15 was the most important one of the round. This is my first win overseas, something I have always dreamed of.
Starting the day one shot behind, Asaji opened aggressively, firing five consecutive birdies from the second hole. He briefly shared the lead with Thailand's Rattanon Wannasrichan - who made six straight birdies from the sixth - and Korea's Soomin Lee, before reclaiming the top spot with a clutch birdie on the 12th.
Despite a missed par putt on the 16th, Asaji held firm with another crucial save on 15 and maintained a one-shot advantage down the stretch.
Wang's Brave Effort Falls Just Short
Korea's Jeunghun Wang was left to rue his misfortune after a valiant effort in regulation play. His birdie-birdie finish forced the playoff, but a misjudged second shot into the water cost him dearly in the extra hole.
"I'm happy with how I played this week - just a little disappointed about the playoff, said Wang. "I knew I had to make the birdie on 18 to stay alive, and I did. I just needed a bit more luck in the playoff.
Leaderboard Highlights: Moutai Singapore Open 2025
| Position | Player | Country | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yosuke Asaji | 🇯🇵 Japan | -19 (67) | Won playoff against Jeunghun Wang |
| 2 | Jeunghun Wang | 🇰🇷 Korea | -19 (68) | Runner-up after playoff |
| T-3 | Rattanon Wannasrichan | 🇹🇭 Thailand | -18 (66) | Tied for third |
| T-3 | Soomin Lee | 🇰🇷 Korea | -18 (69) | Tied for third |
| 5 | Bio Kim | 🇰🇷 Korea | -15 (70) | Solo fifth |
| T-37 | Ajeetesh Sandhu | 🇮🇳 India | -9 (70) | Steady finish in final round |
Asian Tour Moves to the Middle East
The Asian Tour now heads to the Middle East for its final leg - the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, scheduled at the Riyadh Golf Club. The US$5 million event marks the most lucrative tournament of the season and serves as the final stop on The International Series before the Asian Tour's closing event.
