Japanese joy at Royal Porthcawl

There was plenty of post-round positivity from Japanese players at Royal Porthcawl on Thursday as the country dominated the AIG Women’s Open leaderboard.

Rio Takeda [above, right] and Eri Okayama led the way with five-under 67s, while Miyu Yamashita claimed solo third on four-under. Three of the leading trio's compatriots – Shiho Kuwaki, Mao Saigo and Chisato Iwai – posted 69s to be part of the group sharing fourth on a day of Japanese joy.

Takeda holed a pitch shot for an unlikely birdie at the 1st and was able to move into a share of the lead despite carding a double-bogey seven on the par-5 9th.

“I was able to quickly change my mindset and it was good that I was able to do that,” said Takeda, who has followed an astonishing eight-win season on the LPGA Tour of Japan in 2024 with another victory on the LPGA Tour in March and a runner-up finish at the US Women’s Open.

“I played very consistently and really well today, but it’s only the first day, and you never know what's going to happen on this course.

“I was in the same group as Yamashita, and she also improved her score, so that was great for her too.”

Yamashita appreciated the opportunity to play with Takeda and hailed the progress made by Japanese players in recent years.

“My pairing with Takeda allowed us to play in [a] good rhythm,” said Yamashita, whose 68 was highlighted by an incredible tee shot at the par-3 5th. “It's rare for two Japanese players to play together in a major, so it was great.”

“I was also surprised to see so many Japanese players ranked so highly in a major. I think the reason Japanese players are doing so well is because the level of the Japanese tour has risen dramatically.

“And I think the fact that this is starting to translate overseas is due to the development of great players. It's inspiring.”

Okayama’s 67 was particularly impressive given she has been troubled by a back injury in recent months.

“I wasn't feeling very good, and I was worried because I had a sore back,” said the 29-year-old.

“I've hurt my back a few times this year, within the last month or so, and since then I've had to take a break from domestic tournaments.

“I've barely been able to practice up until this point, so I've been taking it easy and taking care of myself. I practiced on Sunday for the first time since coming here and played without any issues on Monday. I never expected to finish in this position.”

Kuwaki is making her AIG Women’s Open debut this week, having won three times on the LPGA Tour of Japan in the last 15 months.

After a three-under round that featured six birdies, Kuwaki said: “I played really well. I was able to feel the atmosphere of Britain and play with joy.

“I had some bogeys, but I was glad I also got some birdies.

“My score was good today and I felt like I had the wind on my side, but I think the wind will get stronger from tomorrow through the three days, so I'll try to hold on as much as possible.”

Iwai, another Japanese player to shoot 69, said: “I had a great time and enjoyed my round. I think I missed the green on almost no holes today.

“I was having a hard time swinging yesterday and it felt like I couldn't swing fully, but when I watched a video of myself playing well, I realised my stance was a little far away, so I moved it a little closer and it improved.

“I also looked at the leaderboard and saw that Japanese runners were at the top, so I decided to do my best too.”

Saigo, who won the Chevron Championship earlier this year for her first major title, was also pleased with her three-under opening round.

“My second shot was consistent, which I think contributed to my score,” said Saigo. “I also had a hole where I was a little unlucky with my tee shot, which resulted in a bogey, so if I can gradually eliminate those kinds of mistakes, I think I'll be able to play golf without having to make bogeys, so that's my challenge from tomorrow onwards.”