Iwai leads the CPKC Women's Open after her victory at the Portland Classic

Akie Iwai Leads CPKC Women’s Open After Portland Victory

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Akie Iwai demonstrated her excellent form by leading the leaderboard at the CPKC Women’s Open on Thursday, just four days after her resounding victory at the Portland Classic. Iwai finished his afternoon round at the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club with birdies on holes eight and nine, both par-4, achieving an impressive 64 strokes, seven under par, and securing a two-stroke lead.

I won last week, but it’s already in the past, it’s already behind.
Akie Iwai

In a tie for second place, fifteen-year-old Canadian fan Aphrodite Deng was found alongside world number one Jeeno Thitikul, Leona Maguire, Gaby Lopez, and the 2023 winner, Megan Khang. On Sunday in Oregon, Iwai joined her twin sister Chisato as an LPGA Tour rookie winner. The 23-year-old Japanese player had previously achieved second places in Thailand in February and in Los Angeles in April, and then saw her sister win in Mayakoba in May, in Mexico. This is the first time Iwai has competed in Canada.

Really beautiful field. It looks like something similar in a field in Japan.
Akie Iwai

Chisato Iwai had a less favorable performance, with bogeys on holes 8 and 9, finishing with 75 strokes. Aphrodite Deng, born in Calgary, Alberta, lived in Montreal before her family moved to New Jersey for her father’s job. She currently resides primarily in Orlando, Florida, but maintains her Canadian citizenship and plays for the Golf Canada junior program.

I just try to hit every shot and play in the street.
Aphrodite Deng

Thitikul played her first round since reaching the top of the world ranking, surpassing Nelly Korda.

I think it’s like another day at work for me.
Jeeno Thitikul

Korda started with a round of 69 strokes. Canadian star Brooke Henderson, who has had an irregular performance, recorded four birdies and four bogeys, finishing with 71 strokes. The 2018 champion won her last LPGA Tour title in January 2023.

Grateful to have been able to get back to par.
Brooke Henderson

Henderson played alongside Thitikul and Lottie Woad, winner of the Women’s Scottish Open, who finished with 75 strokes. Defending champion Lauren Coughlin had a round of 74 strokes. Coughlin won the tournament last year in Calgary.