Kennedy cruises to win in Japan

Jun 24, 2012 - 1:56 PM Okayama, Japan (Sports Network) - Australian Brad Kennedy closed with a 6- under 66 on Sunday to cruise to a three-stroke win at the Mizuno Open.

Kennedy finished his first Japan Golf Tour win at 17-under-par 271. The win gives Kennedy a spot in the field at this year's British Open.

The 38-year-old got off to a quick start with birdies on one and two. Kennedy birdied the sixth for the fourth time this week, then birdied the ninth to make the turn at 15-under.

Kennedy birdied the 10th and 11th, but stumbled to a bogey on the 12th. He atoned for that mistake with a birdie on No. 15 before he parred the final three holes at JFE Setonaikai Golf Club.

Toshinori Muto fired a 9-under 63 to jump into a share of second place at minus-14. He ended alongside Toru Taniguchi, who closed with a 5-under 67.

Koumei Oda posted a 66 to end alone in fourth at 13-under-par 275. Hiroyuki Fujita (66) was one of 10 players that tied for fifth at minus-11.