Muscat: Japan’s Takumi Kanaya claimed his first overseas title when he was crowned champion of the International Series Oman at Al Mouj Golf on Sunday as part of an enhanced series in the Asian Tour.
With the triumph, the young Japanese golfer recevied $2 million cash prize and the coveted trophy after a spectacular finale. Takumi overcame a strong challenge from his closest opponent Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana and American Berry Henson to secure a dominant four-shot victory.
Post the award ceremony, the champion of International Series Oman expressed his joy with this new abroad achievement. "It was great experience to play in the incredible layout of the course at Al Mouj Golf. The golf course was amazing and extremely challenging when the wind picked up. Thanks for the hospitality which was shown throughout the week. I loved my time in Oman, it was a great week,” the Japanese said.
“Special thanks to the people of Oman, Al Mouj Golf and the various partners for their great support this week. It will be a fond memory for me."
The final ceremony of the event was held under auspices of His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Vice-Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) in presence of Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour CEO, Dr Mohammed al Rumhi, Eng Mundhir al Barwani, Chairman of Oman Golf Association (OGA), Nasser al Shaibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat and top dignitaries. The chief guest delivered the trophy to Kanaya.
Takumi Kanaya, who is one of Japan’s most exciting young prospects, shot a resolute 71 to tame the testing conditions that Oman’s first ever links course has become renowned for across the globe. He started the concluding day on 9-under-par, one shot clear of Ryo Hisatsune.
England’s Steve Lewton (71) finished fourth, one shot further back, while Spain’s Sergio Garcia and Joaquin Niemann from Chile, both in with 74s, tied for fifth another two strokes behind.
The Asian Tour event took place at the world-class conditioning course in Al Mouj Golf with a participation of impressive 132-player field which included golfers from 32 countries across six continents.
OGA CHIEF THANKS PARTNERS
The OGA chairman appreciated all the efforts taken by all for the success of this world-class event. “Thanks to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for their continuous support and special thanks for all our partners and volunteers. The event was a great occasion for Oman golf to host elite players of the game.”
Designed by two-time major winner, Greg Norman, Kanaya was not the only player to marvel at the world-class conditioning of the course, with four-time major champion Brooks Koepka stating ahead of the tournament: “It’s a great golf course. I think it’s phenomenal. The putting surface is very true. Fairways are in great shape. I’ve been very, very impressed with the shape it’s in.”
Recent Presidents Cup participant and ten-time professional winner Mito Pereira echoed the sentiments of Koepka on the quality of the golf course adding: “This place is great, super impressed by the facilities and the golf course. I honestly didn’t expect the course to be this good, I’m really happy to be here.”
Speaking after the conclusion of the International Series’ debut in the Middle East, Nasser al Shaibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, said, “we are extremely proud to have hosted the season opener of the International Series Oman this week, welcoming a number of the world’s best players to showcase Al Mouj Golf’s incredible course, facilities, and hospitality to a global audience as a world top 100 club. From all of us at Al Mouj Muscat, we would like to congratulate Takumi Kanaya on his well-earned victory.”
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