Ryuichi Oda claimed his first career title in a Japan Tour major as he came out on top of a three-way play-off at the Japan Open today.

Shingo Katayama shot a four-under-par 68 to take a one-stroke lead at the halfway stage of the Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters.

Henrik Stenson proved the hero for Europe as they saw off a spirited fightback from Asia to claim the inaugural Royal Trophy 9-7 at Amata Spring Country Club, near Bangkok.

Europe powered into a convincing 6-2 lead over Asia and need only two and a half points from tomorrow’s eight singles matches to win the inaugural Royal Trophy at a blustery Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok.

THE CYNICS have already dismissed next weekend's inaugural $1.5 million (€1.2 million) Royal Trophy contest between Asia and Europe as nothing more than another glorified exhibition match.