Nasa Hataoka and Shin Ji-yai have won at the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic. Together, they produced the most stunning second-round display ever witnessed on Japan’s Seta Golf Club in western Japan. Hataoka, a two-time major winner, fired a brilliant 4-under 68. In fact, Ji-yai turned in an even more remarkable round, carding a beautiful 67 herself, which pulled both players to 11-under 133 after two rounds.
The tournament has also witnessed very stiff competition with Miyu Yamashita only a hair’s breadth behind. After shooting an impressive 69 in her second round, Yamashita keeps the pressure on, just one stroke back from the leaders. Having co-led with Hataoka after round one, Penna had shown her talent in this storied major, looking to take things a step further as play continued today.
Minjee Lee, the defending champion, ran into trouble on her second round on Friday but salvaged a close round with a 1-over 73. She now sits eight strokes behind the leader following this round. Now, as she seeks to defend her title, she finds herself in a brutal dogfight. At the same time, yet another former champion, Rio Takeda, carded a 69 but is nine strokes back of the leaders.
Other challengers Sayaka Takahashi, Ai Suzuki, and Shuri Sakuma are in contention. Each one is only two putts back of the front-runner! It is their thrilling performances that have provided the electricity that surrounds this tournament. Now they’re intent on closing the gap behind Hataoka and Ji-yai.
As the tournament goes on, these world-class players will do their best to master the treacherous course at Seta Golf Club. With just one round remaining, the pressure is mounting for every contender in search of a win. All that talent and artistry on display from Hataoka and Ji-yai has created an interesting final round to look forward to.
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