Moutai Singapore Open: India’s Ajeetesh Sandhu Finishes T-37 as Japan’s Yosuke Asaji Lifts Title After Dramatic Playoff

Singapore, Nov 10: Japan’s Yosuke Asaji scripted a historic victory at the Moutai Singapore Open, becoming the first Japanese golfer in nearly 50 years to lift the trophy after edging out Korea’s Jeunghun Wang in a thrilling sudden-death playoff at the Singapore Island Country Club on Sunday (November 9).

India’s Ajeetesh Sandhu produced a steady performance, finishing T-37 with a total score of 9-under 279, closing with a 70 (-2) in the final round on Sunday.

Historic Win for Yosuke Asaji

In a nail-biting finale, Asaji birdied the par-five 18th hole in the playoff after Wang found water with his second shot and carded a six. The Japanese star sank a six-foot birdie putt to seal victory and make history as the first Japanese winner since Kesahiko Uchida in 1976, when the event was last won by a player from Japan at the same venue.

The win was a testament to Asaji’s consistency and poise under pressure. He had earlier carded a five-under 67 in regulation play to reach 19-under-par, setting the clubhouse target. Moments later, Wang holed a clutch birdie putt on the 18th to force the playoff with a 68, setting up the dramatic finish.

Asaji’s Stellar Season Continues

This victory capped an incredible season for the 32-year-old, who has been one of Asia’s most in-form golfers in 2025. Earlier this year, Asaji won The Crowns tournament in Japan, one of the biggest events on the domestic circuit, and finished runner-up at the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus just two weeks ago.

“I am so, so happy. Today I was able to read the lines on the greens well — it was perfect,” said an emotional Asaji. “The par putt on 15 was the most important one of the round. This is my first win overseas, something I have always dreamed of.”

Starting the day one shot behind, Asaji opened aggressively, firing five consecutive birdies from the second hole. He briefly shared the lead with Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan — who made six straight birdies from the sixth — and Korea’s Soomin Lee, before reclaiming the top spot with a clutch birdie on the 12th.

Despite a missed par putt on the 16th, Asaji held firm with another crucial save on 15 and maintained a one-shot advantage down the stretch.

Wang’s Brave Effort Falls Just Short

Korea’s Jeunghun Wang was left to rue his misfortune after a valiant effort in regulation play. His birdie-birdie finish forced the playoff, but a misjudged second shot into the water cost him dearly in the extra hole.

“I’m happy with how I played this week — just a little disappointed about the playoff,” said Wang. “I knew I had to make the birdie on 18 to stay alive, and I did. I just needed a bit more luck in the playoff.”

Leaderboard Highlights: Moutai Singapore Open 2025

Asian Tour Moves to the Middle East

The Asian Tour now heads to the Middle East for its final leg — the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, scheduled at the Riyadh Golf Club. The US$5 million event marks the most lucrative tournament of the season and serves as the final stop on The International Series before the Asian Tour’s closing event.