MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Akie Iwai was proper again on high of the leaderboard within the CPKC Ladies’s Open on Thursday, 4 days after her breakthrough victory within the Portland Traditional.
Iwai closed her afternoon spherical at Mississaugua Golf and Nation Membership with birdies on the par-4 eighth and ninth holes for a 7-under 64 and a two-stroke lead.
“Final week I gained, however already it is prior to now, already previous,” Iwai mentioned.
Fifteen-year-old Canadian beginner Aphrodite Deng was tied for second with top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul, Leona Maguire, Gaby Lopez and 2023 winner Megan Khang.
On Sunday in Oregon, Iwai joined twin sister Chisato as a rookie LPGA Tour winner. The 23-year-old Japanese participant had second-place finishes in Thailand in February and Los Angeles in April, then watched her sister win at Mayakoba in Might in Mexico.
She’s taking part in in Canada for the primary time.
“Actually stunning course,” mentioned Akie Iwai, a six-time winner on the JLPGA Tour. “Seems like one thing comparable in Japan course.”
Chisato Iwai bogeyed Nos. 8 and 9 to shoot 75.
Deng was born in Calgary, Alberta, and her household lived in Montreal earlier than transferring to New Jersey for her father’s work. She principally lives now in Orlando, Florida, however stays a Canadian citizen and performs for Golf Canada’s junior program.
“Simply attempting to hit every shot and play within the fairway,” Deng mentioned.
Thitikul performed her first spherical since taking the highest spot on this planet from Nelly Korda.
“I believe similar to one other day at work for me,” Thitikul mentioned.
Korda opened with a 69.
Slumping Canadian star Brooke Henderson had 4 birdies and 4 bogeys in a 71. The 2018 champion gained the final of her 13 LPGA Tour titles in January 2023.
“Simply grateful we had been in a position to get it again to even,” Henderson mentioned.
She performed alongside Thitikul and Ladies’s Scottish Open winner Lottie Woad, who shot 75.
Defending champion Lauren Coughlin had a 74. She gained final 12 months in Calgary.
