Ahn captures back-to-back titles

MIZUNAMI, Gifu Pref. — Ahn Sun Ju fired eight birdies against two bogeys on Sunday for a final-round 6-under-par 66 to win the Golf 5 Ladies by one stroke. It was the South Korean's third title this season and her second in two weeks.

Ahn, the leading earner on the JLPGA in 2010 and 2011, started the day a stroke back of overnight leader Chie Arimura, also looking for her third win this season. Ahn, who compiled a 15-under 201 for the tournament, finished one stroke ahead of compatriot Lee Ji Hee and two ahead of Arimura and Rikako Morita.

Ahn went to the final hole at Mizunami Country Club tied with Lee at 14-under, but birdied it to avoid a playoff.

"I had not imagined I could win two consecutive tournaments," said Ahn, who just turned 25. "I'm really happy. My birthday was the same day as the first round. This is a great present."

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Kato, Kodaira earn national titles

OBIHIRO, Hokkaido — Joji Kato claimed his first title since 2007 and Nao Kodaira won the women's event for the second year in a row at the national sprint championships Wednesday.

Vancouver Olympic 500-meter bronze medalist Kato placed second in the 500 in 35.35 seconds and won the 1,000 in 1:11.86 on the final day for a four-race total of 142.225 points.

Kodaira had a meet-record total of 154.285 points after taking second in the 500 in 38.64 and winning the 1,000 in 1:17.31.

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