The favorite, Stars on Earth, finished third, sprinting from near the back of the pack into contention over the final stretch of the 2,000-meter race.
The American made a clutch birdie on No. 17 to take a two-stroke lead to the final hole at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club.
With 13 total medals, Japan finishes No. 1 among all nations competing in Tashkent, demonstrating its supreme judo skills. Updates on several other sports, too.
Orix's Keita Nakagawa delivered the game-winning hit with two outs in the ninth, ending SoftBank's comeback hopes and keeping his team's title ambitions alive.
The American, who has roots in Japan, was steady throughout and came up big on the final hole.
Yakult outscored Hanshin 18-7 in three Central League Climax Series Final Stage games, completing a series sweep in dramatic fashion.
The former world No. 1 amateur is alone in fifth place after a spectacular 63 at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club.
The defending champion will need a strong round to get back into contention as he bids to become the first two-time winner of the tournament.
Japan's national squad is making only its third tournament appearance this century. Therefore, each match is a vital part of its overall development.
With her dazzling win, Nakai clinched a spot in the JGP Final, and Kataise, making his long-awaited circuit debut, impressed with his jump landings.
Under new bench boss Atsushi Ono, the NeoPhoenix have overhauled their roster, laying a new foundation with an influx of youthful players and established veterans.
She became the J.League's first female referee in May 2021 and the first in the Asian Champions League in April 2022. Now she's a FIFA World...