Oda claims maiden title

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.

The 32-year-old birdied the 18th for a five-under-par final-round score of 67, meaning he joined Ryo Ishikawa and veteran Yasuharu Imano in a play-off at the Musashi Country Club.

There Oda held his nerve to birdie the second play-off hole with Ishikawa and Imano managing only to make par.

Ishikawa was the overnight leader but could only card a one-under 71 while Imano shot a two-under 70 as the trio finished six under overall.

Hiroyuki Fujita and Hirofumi Miyase finished tied fourth on three under after carding matching 69s.