Classic Momoko!

Japan has a new sensation.

Momoko Ueda became the first Japanese national to win the Mizuno Classic in nine years, getting the title with a 5-under-par 66 on the final day – including a double-eagle… staving off a push from Reilley Rankin (USA) and Maria Hjorth (Sweden) to win by 2 strokes. Ueda finished with a 13-under 203, earning her first LPGA tour event victory.

Both Rankin and Hjorth had more than one opportunity to take the lead out of Ueda’s hands, but Ueda’s double eagle put her out of reach of both Rankin & Hjorth.

Advice from Momoko’s coach had her focusing more on her own game, and less on what her opponents were doing. Seemed to work fine!
Early leader Laura Davies finished 5th, not recovering well from a penalty involving a misplaced ball. J-Teen Ai Miyazato never played well, carrying her recent poor form over, and sustaining it throughout the tournament – never in it, finishing a disappointing 8-over 224, 68th place.

It’s a great victory for the 21 year old, and certainly big things will be expected of her now. It should be – in the long run – a good thing for Ai Miyazato too… this win should lift some of the expectations that are inevitably placed upon her within Japan.

Results:
1. Momoko Ueda
2. Maria Hjorth
2. Reilley Rankin
4. Shinobu Moromizato
5. Mi Hyun Kim
5. Chie Arimura
5. Mie Nakata
5. Laura Davies
9. Angela Park
9. Hye Jung Choi
9. Yuri Fudoh
9. Jee Lee
9. Bo Bae Song
14. Yui Kawahara
14. In-Bee Park
14. Brittany Lang
14. Joo Mi Kim
14. Jeong Jang

…

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Classic Davies at Mizuno Classic

Laura Davies has been playing some classic golf at the Kashikojima Country Club in Mie, Japan. After the first round, Davies (65) holds a one stroke lead over Reilley Rankin (66) and local girl Chie Arimura (66). The weather’s been cool, but winds have certainly been a factor in playing the course.

Karrie Webb’s off to a slow start, hitting a +1 over par 73. It was certainly an inconsistent day for Webb, who followed birdies with bogeys, or vice versa.
One consolation for Webb could be that she’s not alone as a poorly-performing-star. J-teen sensation Ai Miyazato finds herself 5 over par on 77. Miyazato was buoyed by cheering fans, but just couldn’t seem to find any semblance of consistency on the greens.

Still, Japanese ladies dominate the top 5… and there are several well-poised to do well on Day 2.

Top 5…
1. Laura Davies [34+31 = 65, -7]
2. Reilly Rankin [33+33 = 66, -6]
2. Chie Arimura [34+32 = 66, -6]
4. Erina Hara [34+33 = 67, -5]
5. Mie Nakata [35+33 = 68, -4]

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