Rio Takeda Clinches First LPGA Victory in Dramatic 6-Hole Playoff

Takeda's win at the TOTO Japan Classic secures her LPGA Tour membership for 2025.

Rio Takeda, a 21-year-old from Japan, won her first LPGA Tour event at the TOTO Japan Classic after a tense six-hole playoff against Marina Alex.
The tournament was shortened to 54 holes due to rain, with both Takeda and Alex finishing regulation play tied at 15-under-par.
Takeda's victory at the Seta Golf Course was her eighth win of the season, highlighting her impressive form on the Japan LPGA Tour.
With this win, Takeda can bypass the LPGA Tour Q-School and will gain membership for the 2025 season, marking a significant step in her golfing career.
Despite the playoff loss, Marina Alex achieved her best finish since 2022, securing her spot in the season-ending CME Globe Championship.