MISSISASUGA, Ontario — Akie Rock returned to the leaderboard for the CPKC Women’s Open on Thursday, four days after a groundbreaking victory at the Portland Classic.
Iwai concluded the afternoon round with Mississau Gua Golf and Country Club, with a par 4 hole with a 7-under 64 and a two-stroke lead and a birdie on the ninth hole.
“I won last week, but it’s already in the past, it’s already in the past,” Iwa said.
The 15-year-old Canadian amateur aphrodic Deng came in second with top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul, Leona Maguire, Gaby Lopez and 2023 winner Megan Khang.
On Sunday in Oregon, Iwa joined Twin Sister Chysat as the winner of the rookie LPGA Tour. The 23-year-old Japanese finished second in Thailand in February, Los Angeles in April, and saw him win in Mexico with his younger sister Mayakoba in May.
She is playing in Canada for the first time.
“A truly beautiful course,” said Akie Iwai, a six-time JLPGA Tour winner. “It’s something similar on the Japanese course.”
Chisat Iwai bogeyed 8th and 9th to shoot 75.
Den was born in Calgary, Alberta, and her family lived in Montreal before moving to New Jersey for her father’s job. She lives primarily in Orlando, Florida, but is a Canadian citizen and plays for the Golf Canada junior program.
“We’re just trying to hit each shot and play on the fairway,” Den said.
Thitikul played her first round since winning the world’s top spot from Nelly Korda.
“I think I’ll be on another day at work for me,” Chitickle said.
Corda opened at 69.
Canadian star Brooke Henderson scored four birdies and four bogeys for 71. The 2018 champion won the final of 13 LPGA Tour titles in January 2023.
“I’m just grateful that we were able to bring it back evenly,” Henderson said.
She played alongside Thitikul, who shot 75 and Women’s Scottish Open winner Lottie Woad.
Defending champion Lauren Cofflin was 74. She won in Calgary last year.
