TAIPEI/STARNBERG, November 10, 2026

Yosuke Watanuki has claimed the title at the TAIWAN TAIPEI SANTAIZI CHALLENGER, defeating Czech youngster Jan Kumstat 7-6(2), 7-5 in Sunday’s final. The ATP Challenger 100 event was held from November 2 to 8 on hard courts in Taipei, Chinese Taipei, with a total prize purse of $177,000.

Watanuki, who entered the main draw through qualifying, enjoyed an impressive campaign, overcoming several challenging opponents on his way to the trophy.

The 28-year-old Japanese began his run with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over third seed Lloyd Harris of South Africa. He then continued his progress with a convincing 6-1, 6-1 win against fellow qualifier Masamichi Imamura.

In the quarterfinals, Watanuki faced sixth seed Alexandre Muller of France. After taking the opening set 6-4, he dropped the second in a tie-break before regrouping to secure a 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 victory.

His semifinal encounter against top seed Coleman Wong of Hong Kong proved another demanding test. Watanuki prevailed in two closely contested tie-break sets, winning 7-6(5), 7-6(6) to book his place in the championship match.

Standing between him and the title was Jan Kumstat. The Czech had reached the final with victories over eighth seed Joel Schwaerzler of Austria, British qualifier Billy Harris, Frenchman Harold Mayot and Japanese qualifier Yuta Shimizu.

Watanuki fired 13 aces in the final and won 79 per cent of his first-service points to succeed in one hour and 32 minutes.

By winning his sixth ATP Challenger Tour career crown, his first of the season, Watanuki earned $26,130 in prize money and 100 ATP Ranking points, while runner-up Kumstat collected $15,430 and 50 Ranking points.

Soaring back into the Top 250 🚀

Yosuke Watanuki jumps 138 spots after winning the Taiwan Santaizi Challenger title!

#ATPChallenger | @W412Yosuke https://t.co/Vu8O5ql7Xs

— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) November 9, 2026