Akie Iwai led entering the final round of the LOTTE Championship. She showed off remarkable skills in shooting 1-under 71 despite some difficult afternoon conditions. The 23-year-old Japanese star is now at 13-under 203, one shot clear of her nearest challengers. This remarkable run leaves her in prime position as she looks for her second LPGA Tour victory.
Iwai had a great start to the tournament, with a stunning first round score of 64, which put her atop the leaderboard. Yet all that turned against her on Thursday when she managed to shoot a 68 and fell three strokes back of Youmin Hwang. But Iwai displayed an amazing fighting spirit in Round 3. Even after a bogey on the tricky par-3 12th hole she kept her cool and didn’t allow it to affect the rest of her round.
After the defeat, Iwai followed through on hole 13. He followed with a sensational up-and-down, skillfully avoiding trouble from a huge fairway bunker before he pitched in with a lob wedge. She left her eagle-try approach shot 56 yards short in the right rough. She was able to deftly steer clear of a second straight bogey. Iwai then regrouped, making six consecutive pars beginning at No.
With Iwai, that throughout the tournament has been just an incredible consistency. Pretty impressive stuff He’s now hit 46 of 54 greens in regulation through three rounds. Her ability to stay cool and perform when it counts has been the biggest difference in her play so far this season.
“I would say I’m a shot-maker,” – Akie Iwai
As the tournament continues, Iwai is concentrating on just keeping up her strong play. She said she was looking to move on from the difficulties of earlier rounds and focus on the championship round.
“Just keep going. That’s what I’m going to do tomorrow,” – Akie Iwai
Iwai reflected on her victory, a practice round and her upcoming performance at the LOTTE Championship. Earlier this year, she was the talk of the town after winning her first LPGA Tour championship at the Portland Classic this past August. Her new experiences gained on tour have her armed with fresh lessons and insights that she takes with her into every round.
With just one day of play left to determine the champion, Iwai’s plan of attack hinges on focusing and being patient.
“I’m sure there will be a lot of wind tomorrow, too. Hopefully, just try to be patient,” – Minami Katsu
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