At Royal Porthcawl, Japan’s Rio Takeda and Eri Okayama set the tone on Day 1 of the Women’s Open Championship, each firing a five-under-par 67 to share the lead. Takeda shook off a double bogey at the par-five ninth, then rattled off four birdies over her final seven holes to claim pole position alongside her compatriot.
Players from Japan dominated the leaderboard, with Miyu Yamashita close behind at four-under 68. About half the field finished at par or better in a blustery opening round that kept scores in check. Takeda’s back-nine charge proved decisive, while Okayama sealed her spot with a textbook fairway-metal shot to 12 feet at the 17th for her closing birdie.
England’s 21-year-old rookie sensation Lottie Woad, fresh off a win on the Ladies European Tour and a near-miss at the Evian Championship, held firm with an even-par 72. A birdie on the par-five 18th ensured she stayed in contention amid a stacked field.
With three Japanese players in the top three and rising international stars in the mix, the Women’s Open is shaping up as a global showcase. As winds forecast to ease tomorrow, look for more fireworks from this diverse, world-class lineup.
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Takeda and Okayama lead Japanese surge at Women's Open Championship
cgtn.com
