Kanaya to defend International Series Oman title
Reigning International Series Oman champion Takumi Kanaya will return to Al Mouj Golf to defend his title against a stellar field from February 22.
Kanaya, who won by four shots last season to claim his first professional trophy outside of Japan, faces a stiff challenge with major winners, LIV Golf stars and the cream of the Asian Tour set to tee it up for the season opener on The International Series, the pathway series to the LIV Golf League, sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
The 25-year-old from Hiroshima, said: “In 2023, I lined up against some of the best players in the world and proved that I could win. This year I want to do exactly the same. Defending my title will not be easy against this strong field, but I know I have what it takes on a truly challeng
ing course.”
The Japanese star’s sentiments on the course were echoed by his peers on the Asian Tour as they voted the venue, Al Mouj Golf, the Players’ Choice Course of the Year for 2023. His victory also meant he became the first player from the Land of the Rising Sun to win an International Series event.
Joaquin Niemann could well be one of Kanaya’s biggest challengers after shooting an incredible round of 59 on his way to victory at LIV Golf Mayakoba earlier this month. The Torque GC captain finished T5 last year at International Series Oman.
A number of other players on the LIV Golf roster will be looking for a big performance in Oman, in preparation for LIV Golf Jeddah the following week.
The Fireballs GC duo of Eugenio Chacarra and David Puig both know that winning feeling on The International Series, having triumphed in Scotland and Singapore respectively last season, while Rangegoats GC big hitters Matthew Wolff and Peter Uihlein will also feature.
The cream of the Asian Tour will also provide a stern test, with global golfing talent including Australia’s Wade Ormsby, Ben Campbell of New Zealand, and India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar. All three won on The International Series last season.
The US$2 million event is the first opportunity for the field to earn points on the season-long race for the top of the rankings and a coveted spot on the LIV Golf League.
For the past two seasons, the leader of The International Series rankings has secured a place on the LIV Golf roster, with Scott Vincent joining Iron Heads GC in 2023 and Andy Ogletree claiming a place on the Hyflyers GC for this season.
Vincent’s younger brother Kieran also won one of three golden tickets at the LIV Golf Promotions event in December, an innovative qualifying tournament where over 30 places were available to players on The International Series.
International Series Oman is the first of 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour.