Akie Iwai Leads CPKC Women’s Open After Breakthrough Victory

In Mississauga, Ontario, Akie Iwai marked her presence once again at the top of the leaderboard during the CPKC Women’s Open on Thursday, just a few days following her notable win at the Portland Classic. She concluded her afternoon round at the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club with impressive birdies on the eighth and ninth holes, finishing with a score of 7-under 64, which gives her a two-stroke advantage over the competition.

Reflecting on her recent success, Iwai remarked that her victory last week feels like a thing of the past. Among those trailing Iwai is 15-year-old Canadian amateur golfer Aphrodite Deng, who finds herself tied for second place along with top contenders Jeeno Thitikul, Leona Maguire, Gaby Lopez, and the recent champion, Megan Khang. Iwai, a six-time winner on the JLPGA Tour, celebrated her first win on the LPGA Tour and noted the beauty of the Canadian course, comparing it to the ones she has played in Japan.

Aphrodite Deng, born in Calgary and raised in various locations due to her father's career, now claims Orlando as her home while maintaining her Canadian citizenship and affiliation with Golf Canada’s junior program. Meanwhile, Thitikul, who recently ascended to the top position in the world rankings, commented on her performance as just another routine day.

Notably, Canadian golfer Brooke Henderson, who has had a downturn in form recently, finished the day with a score of even par 71 after achieving four birdies and four bogeys. Henderson, the 2018 champion, expressed gratitude for managing to square her round. She competed alongside Thitikul and Lottie Woad, the Women's Scottish Open champion, who recorded a score of 75. The defending champion, Lauren Coughlin, ended her round with a score of 74 after winning last year’s tournament in Calgary.