Fujita beats Taniguchi in playoff

Hiroyuki Fujita successfully defended his Nippon Series JT Cup title Sunday, beating fellow veteran Toru Taniguchi with a par on the second playoff hole.

Fujita managed a two-putt par on the second extra hole — Tokyo Yomiuri Country Club's signature 227-yard, par-3 18th — after Taniguchi missed the green with his tee shot and ended up missing a par-saving putt in the season-ending event.

The two players finished regulation tied at 10-under-par 200 after Fujita shot a 6-under 64, the day's best score, and Taniguchi had a 65.

Ryo Ishikawa finished alone in third after a 68 left him three shots out of the playoff. The 20-year-old star ended the season without a win for the first time since he turned pro in 2008.

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