MISSISSAUGA, Canada – Japanese golfer Akie Iwai shot a 2-under 69 on Friday to increase her lead to three strokes after the second round of the CPKC Women’s Open in Canada.
The 23-year-old rookie, fresh off her first career victory on the U.S. LPGA Tour last week, had a 9-under 133 total at Mississauga Golf and Country Club in the province of Ontario.
Iwai carded four birdies and a pair of bogeys after starting the day with a two-shot lead.
Sharing second place were Australia’s Minjee Lee (67), Ireland’s Leona Maguire (70) and Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul (70).
“My shots were good, but I left a lot of putts a bit short, so that was a shame,” Iwai said. “I’m in a good position to start the weekend again. I’ll try to enjoy my game and keep going.”
Minami Katsu was another Japanese player in the top 10, shooting a 67 to tie for ninth at 4 under for the 72-hole event.
Iwai’s twin sister Chisato missed the cut by one stroke.
Last Sunday at the Standard Portland Classic in Oregon, Akie Iwai joined Chisato as a rookie winner, making them the first twins in history to each win on the tour.
