Japan's Kensei Hirata claimed his second consecutive title by winning the Asian Tour's Shinhan Donghae Open on Sunday, edging out Australia's Travis Smyth by just one stroke. Hirata, who had won the Fujisankei Classic on the Japan Golf Tour the previous week, finished with an impressive six-under-par 66 at the Ocean Course at Club72 in Incheon, bringing his total to 22-under 266. Despite a bogey on the final hole, the 23-year-old held off Smyth’s challenge to secure the victory.
Smyth delivered a stunning performance, starting his round with seven consecutive birdies to briefly share the lead with Hirata. He added another birdie at the ninth, posting a remarkable 28 on the front nine. However, he was unable to sustain the same momentum on the back nine, parring every hole for an eight-under 64, finishing at 21-under for the tournament.
Kosuke Suzuki of Japan, who began the final day tied for the lead with Hirata, struggled to keep pace, shooting a 70 to end in third place at 18-under. Reflecting on his win, Hirata admitted he was surprised by the outcome, given Smyth's strong start, but focused on playing his own game rather than being distracted by the leaderboard.
Smyth, seeking his second Asian Tour victory, expressed mixed feelings about his near-miss. He acknowledged the impressive eight-under round but lamented falling just short, though he remained positive about his form heading into future events.
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