Kensei Hirata, a 23-year-old Japanese golfer, has continued his impressive form, securing his second consecutive victory by winning the Asian Tour’s Shinhan Donghae Open. Hirata closed the tournament with a six-under-par 66 at the Ocean Course at Club72 in Incheon, South Korea, finishing the event at 22-under par for a total score of 266. His victory comes just a week after claiming the Fujisankei Classic on the Japan Golf Tour.
The final round saw a thrilling battle for the lead. Travis Smyth, an Australian golfer, started the round with a remarkable display, making seven consecutive birdies on his way to a share of the lead. He continued his strong performance with another birdie at the ninth, carding a remarkable 28 on the front nine holes. Despite a solid eight-under 64 for the round, Smyth ultimately finished one stroke behind Hirata, ending the tournament at 21-under.
Kosuke Suzuki, another Japanese golfer, was in contention throughout the final round. He finished third, closing the tournament with a 70, ending at 18-under.
Hirata, who becomes the fourth Japanese player to win the Shinhan Donghae Open, which celebrated its 40th edition this year, spoke of his surprise at winning. “Early on in the round I did not think I would win, so this is a surprise and honor,” he said. “I tried to play my own game. Even if I had looked at the leaderboard and seen Travis playing well I would have focused on that I was doing.”
Despite Smyth’s incredible start, Hirata kept pace with the Australian by recording an eagle and three birdies on the front nine. He remained focused on his own game, despite the pressure from Smyth.
Smyth, who was aiming for his second victory on the Asian Tour, expressed his disappointment at falling short but acknowledged his strong performance. “Bittersweet after shooting eight under, but not winning,” said the 29-year-old. “Seven under yesterday and then eight under today, amazing weekend. To fall one short sucks a bit, but my game is in a good spot.”
The Shinhan Donghae Open saw a strong field of golfers compete. Kim Min-kyu from South Korea finished in fourth place at 271, followed by Tomoharu Otsuki and Tomoyo Ikemura, both from Japan, who finished tied for fifth at 272.
