Tanihara's Sun Chlorella win confirms star status
IN: News | Japan | Sun Chlorella Classic (2006) | Wrap | by Bruce Young | 06 Aug 2006
Just two weeks after producing a record equalling performance for a Japanese golfer at the Open Championship, Hideto Tanihara returned triumphantly to the Japan Golf Tour by taking out the lucrative Sun Chlorella event in Hokkaido.
Tanhiara, perhaps surprisingly, finished fifth at Hoylake and in the process equalled the effort of Shigeki Maruyama, who had also finished fifth at the Open Championship in 2002. Back on more familiar ground at this week's Japan Golf Tour event in Hokkaido, the 27-year-old produced a strong weekend to win by one over a group of five golfers who shared second place.
Starting the tournament slowly in his first event since his heroics at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Tanihara took a while to put his stamp on the tournament, so much so that by Friday evening he was languishing in 17th place. A third round of 67 had him within one of the 54 hole leader, Tetsuji Hiratsuka and even today it was not until the last nine holes that he was able to break clear of the large group vying for the much sought after Sun Chlorella title.
Tanihara actually bogeyed two of the last three holes but those closest to him on the leaderboard were also struggling to capitalise on opportunities they had created for themselves, more especially Hiratsuka who dropped four shots in the last four holes after having the tournament at his mercy with nine holes remaining.
In hot, calm conditions the five players who tied for second all have stories to tell about what might have been but it mattered little to Tanihara who won his fourth Japan Golf Tour event and in doing so moved within just ¥2 million of the money list leader in 2006, S.K. Ho, who finished 7th this week. That is of course for money won in Japan only although on the list for all money earned by Japan Golf Tour players in 2006, including majors, Tanihara has the edge.
The best of the Australasians this week was Queenslander Craig Jones, who finished 28th and moved to 76th on the money list. Scott Laycock finished 34th and David Smail 45th.
The Japan Golf Tour now has a two week break before the Under Armour KBC Augusta event in Fukuoka.
Photo - Japan Golf Tour
