Japan’s Takahiro Hataji has made it a hat-trick of victories this year by winning the Vantelin Tokai Classic on the Japan Golf Tour yesterday.

It is his second success in four months in Japan – he won the Kansai Open in May – and follows his triumph at the New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport in March on the Asian Tour.

He beat compatriot Takumi Kanaya by one shot to win the Vantelin Tokai event, which was played at Myoshi Country Club.

Hataji closed with a six-under-par 65 to finish 17-under, making seven birdies and one bogey on the last day. Kanaya, a winner on the Asian Tour at last year’s International Series Oman, also fired a 65.

“I was paired with Takumi Kanaya, and I knew the showdown would be unpredictable given how competitive he is,” said Hataji, who was winless before this season.

“I went into the round with the mentality that I wouldn’t win. I told myself to just focus on playing my own game, and it helped me stay calm.”

Japan’s Yusuke Sakamoto and Yusaku Hosono shared third place.

When asked what are his next goals after achieving his second win in Japan, Hataji said: “I’m aiming for a Major win, especially at the Japan Open. Last year, I played in the final group with Ryo Ishikawa, and it left a huge impression on me. I want to experience that again, but this time, I want to win.”