Golf: Japan's Takahiro Hataji claims New Zealand Open after nervy wait for victory

Japan's Takahiro Hataji has claimed victory at the New Zealand Open in Queenstown, winning the title by a single shot at Millbrook Resort.   

Entering the final day a shot behind the leading pair - Australians Matthew Griffin and Scott Hend - the 30-year-old carded a final round of four-under, to finish at 17-under and take the title. 

Victory represents Hitaji's maiden career victory, after a nervy wait to secure the title.   

Hend had the chance to force a playoff on the final hole, but couldn't land the decisive three-put to hand the title to Hitaji.

Instead, the Australian had to settle for second with his final round 69 giving him 16-under for the tournament.  

Griffin meanwhile carded a one-under 70 in his final round to finish two shots back of Hitaji at 15-under.  

Josh Geary was the best-placed of the Kiwi contenders, and finished at 15-under in a share with Hend and Australia's Anthony Quale, after a two-under last round.  

Japan's Takahiro Hataji has claimed victory at the New Zealand Open in Queenstown, winning the title by a single shot at Millbrook Resort.   

Entering the final day a shot behind the leading pair - Australians Matthew Griffin and Scott Hend - the 30-year-old carded a final round of four-under, to finish at 17-under and take the title. 

Victory represents Hitaji's maiden career victory, after a nervy wait to secure the title.   

Hend had the chance to force a playoff on the final hole, but couldn't land the decisive three-put to hand the title to Hitaji.

Instead, the Australian had to settle for second with his final round 69 giving him 16-under for the tournament.  

Griffin meanwhile carded a one-under 70 in his final round to finish two shots back of Hitaji at 15-under.  

Josh Geary was the best-placed of the Kiwi contenders, and finished at 15-under in a share with Hend and Australia's Anthony Quale, after a two-under last round.  

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