Japanese golfer Rio Takeda picked up her first win in her U.S. LPGA rookie season Sunday, cruising to a six-shot victory at the Blue Bay LPGA tournament in China.
Takeda, who earned the right to play on the U.S. tour when she won the Japan Classic last November, an event co-sanctioned by both tours, had a 17-under 271 total at the Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course on Hainan Island.
Japan’s Rio Takeda hits a tee shot during the final round of the Blue Bay LPGA tournament at the Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course on China’s Hainan Island on March 9, 2025. (Getty/Kyodo)
After taking a two-stroke lead into the final round, the long-hitting 21-year-old pulled away with three birdies in her first four holes and added five more on the back nine en route to a bogey-free 64.
Australia’s Minjee Lee (67) finished alone in second, followed by Japan’s Ayaka Furue (68) in third at 10-under.
Three other Japanese claimed top-10 finishes, with Mao Saigo tying for fifth at 6-under and Miyu Yamashita and Nasa Hataoka sharing eighth a shot further back.
Japan’s Rio Takeda celebrates after winning the Blue Bay LPGA tournament at the Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course on China’s Hainan Island on March 9, 2025. (Getty/Kyodo)
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