It's easy as ABC for Katayama

BY Bruce Young | Japan Tour | 2006 ABC Championship | Wrap | 29 Oct 2006

Shingo Katayama won his third event of season 2006 and further extended his lead on the Japan Golf Tour money list when he defeated Korean Y.E.Yang in a playoff to win the ABC Championship after a stunning last round of 62.

Katayama has raced some ¥40 million clear on the money list and given the manner in which he is playing right now it appears there is plenty more in store before the last event of the season in early December.

Katayama played in the second to last group on the final day and opened with an eagle to kick start what would be an opening nine of 31. When Yang also turned in 31 he had the lead by three over Katayama but Yang was unable to match the finishing burst of Katayama. When the Korean bogeyed the 14th the scores were level and although he birded three of the last four holes, Yang was unable to break clear of Katayama and so it was off to a playoff. Katayama secured the victory with a birdie at the second extra hole.

Katayama has not only won three events this year but he has also recorded five other top three finishes reinforcing his dominance of the Japan Golf Tour. The 33-year-old has now won 21 events on the JGT and is number four in the all time JGT money list.

Brendan Jones was the best of the Australians when he finished 15th as he continues to regain the form that has seen him such a force in Japan over recent years. He has improved each week since returning from the USPGA Tour and it might just be that he is contending for a title before long.

Steve Conran was 32nd, Scott Laycock 49th, Chris Campbell 53rd and Craig Jones 63rd.

The Japan Golf Tour will now play Asahiryokuken Yomiuri Memorial in Fukuoka on the southern island of Kyushsu.