Masahiro Kawamura lifts Panasonic

Japanese youngster Masahiro Kawamura took full advantage of home ground to outclass Korea

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September 30, 2013. Japanese youngster Masahiro Kawamura took full advantage of home ground to outclass Korea’s Y.E. Yang and Park Sung-joon to pick up his maiden career victory at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open on Sunday.

 

Kawamura overturned a two-shot deficit with a battling four-under-par 67 to claim a one-shot win over Park, who returned with a 70, at the Y150 million (approximately US$1.48 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.

 

“This win is really big. Obviously, it is the biggest thing to happen in my career. Now I get to play in Japan and on the Asian Tour as well. I’m sure it will brighten my future and help me improve,” said Kawamura, who pocketed approximately US$306,779.

 

[highlight] I injured my left thumb earlier in the year and I really struggled with that. It was frustrating so I’m glad that I bounced back from that injury and win [/highlight]

 

The slightly built, 20-year-old Kawamura turned in 36 but recovered with a sensational back nine highlighted by important birdies on 17 and 18 to end his campaign on nine-under-par 275.

 

After missing cuts for last seven times, due to thumb injury, the victory brought required solace for young Kawamura.

 

“I injured my left thumb earlier in the year and I really struggled with that. It was frustrating so I’m glad that I bounced back from that injury and win!” he smiled.

 

The Runners Up, Yang was on the verge of a win until a triple bogey on 11 dashed his title hopes at the Ibaraki Country Club.

 

Whereas, Park needed a birdie on the last to force a playoff but misjudged his 10 feet putt. The Korean, who has yet to miss a cut in Japan this season, said the turning point came when he three putted for bogey on 16 and dropped another shot on the next hole.

 

“Maybe next time I will have better luck. I’m still playing okay so that’s the positive I can take back from this week,” said Park who capped his fourth runner-up result in Japan this season.

 

Yang, who defeated Tiger Woods at the 2009 US PGA Championship, recovered from a triple bogey on 11 with three straight birdies from 13 but it was not enough to edge Kawamura.

 

“I played good. I only missed my drive on the 11th hole and dropped three shots there. My game is in great shape at the moment and I’m happy with where it is heading,” said the 41-year-old Yang.

 

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