Ishikawa, 18, earns eighth Japan title with second win in Fujisankei Classic

Ryo Ishikawa staged a successful defense of his Fujisankei Classic title Sunday, beating Shunsuke Sonoda in a playoff. The 18-year-old star started the day with a three-stroke lead but carded four birdies against three bogeys at Fujizakura Country Club for a 1-under 70 and a 9-under total of 275. Sonoda, meanwhile, carded five birdies and was on course to win outright but dropped a shot on the par-4 18th for a 4-under 67 to join Ishikawa on 9 under. After finishing even in the first three playoff holes on the 18th, both players reached the green in two on the fourth, where Ishikawa two-putted for par while Sonoda saw his par putt lip out. The victory was Ishikawa's eighth on the Japan Golf Tour and second this season, which moves him to the top of the money rankings. American Han Lee took third place after shooting a 69 while South Korea's Kim Kyung-taw shot the day's low round with a 65 to share fourth with Akio Sadakata (71).