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Sony Open: Hideki Matsuyama produces magic play-off shot to edge out Russell Henley

The Japanese star secured his eighth PGA Tour win in dramatic fashion after a back-nine comeback followed by a thrilling eagle at the first extra hole.

Hideki Matsuyama struck one of the shots of his career to help secure victory over Russell Henley in a play-off at the Sony Open at Waialae.

After the two finished locked together at 23-under, the Masters champion rifled a 276-yard 3-wood approach to three feet at the first extra hole, the par-5 18th.
He then rolled in the putt for a winning eagle to leave Henley wondering how the tournament had gotten away.
Two shots clear overnight, Henley had it in cruise control as he went to the turn in just 29 blows after a run of birdie-birdie-birdie-eagle at 6, 7, 8 and 9.
That gave the American a huge five-shot advantage but a stuttering back nine proved costly.
Henley bogeyed the par-3 11th and could only par the remaining seven holes.
It still secured an impressive final round of 5-under 65 but Matsuyama, who had started the day two in arrears, was able to chase him down.
The Japanese star picked up shots at 2, 4 and 8 on his front nine and, as Henley stalled, he reeled him in with birdies at 10, 11, 15 and 18, the latter after he found the green with his second and two-putted from 54 feet.
Henley had a 10-foot putt to win at 18 but couldn't convert and it proved costly as he made a mess of the same hole in the play-off after finding sand off the tee and missing the green with his third.

Ireland's Seamus Power continued his good run of form to finish in a tie for third place on 19-under alongside Kevin Kisner, a result which lifted him into the world's top 50 for the first time.

Power closed with a 5-under 65 while Kisner signed for a 64.
American duo Michael Thompson (63) and Lucas Glover (65) shared fifth spot.

Matsuyama on decisive shot

As well as winning his first Major last April, Matsuyama now has two wins in his last three starts.
Of his stunning approach shot in the play-off, he said: "It was the perfect number for me for a cut 3-wood, 276 yards left-to-right, follow the wind.
"I knew the green was soft enough to hold it, and I was able to pull it off. To be honest, I didn't even see it, but everybody started cheering and I knew it was good."
Asked how he'll celebrate, Matsuyama said: "I'll have my share of sake tonight and we'll see you all in San Diego at Torrey Pines (Farmers Insurance Open, starting on January 26)."
Henley reflected: "I gave myself a putt on 18 to win the golf tournament. I'm still scratching my head on how I missed that. It was really close to going in. I was close to getting a win.
"It stings. I played some great golf. I feel like I was in it the entire time mentally this time. I didn't have too many mental lapses like I have other tournaments where I've been close to the lead in the last couple years.
"So tough to swallow, but Hideki played great all day and happy for him."

The victory moved Matsuyama up eight spots to World No.10. Jon Rahm still heads the rankings.

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