Leads CPKC Women's Open After Portland Classic Triumph

Akie Iwai quickly returned to the top of the leaderboard at the CPKC Women's Open on Thursday, just four days after her victory in the Portland Classic. She finished her afternoon round at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club with birdies on the eighth and ninth holes, resulting in a 7-under 64 and a two-stroke lead. Iwai emphasized that her win the previous week was already in the past.

Tied for second place were fifteen-year-old Canadian amateur Aphrodite Deng, along with top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul, Leona Maguire, Gaby Lopez, and 2023 winner Megan Khang. Iwai, a 23-year-old Japanese player, had previously secured second-place finishes earlier in the year and watched her twin sister win a tournament in May. This was her first time playing in Canada.

Akie Iwai, who has six wins on the JLPGA Tour, described the course as beautiful, noting its similarity to courses in Japan. Deng, born in Calgary, Alberta, and now residing primarily in Orlando, Florida, is a Canadian citizen and participates in Golf Canada's junior program. Deng focused on hitting each shot and playing in the fairway.

Jeeno Thitikul played her first round since becoming the world's top-ranked player. She described it as just another day at work. Canadian star Brooke Henderson, who has been struggling, finished with a 71, including four birdies and four bogeys. She expressed gratitude for finishing at even par. Henderson played alongside Thitikul and Lottie Woad, who shot 75. Defending champion Lauren Coughlin finished with a 74.