Japan Women's Open goes to Miyazato
BY Bruce Young | Japan Ladies Tour | 2005 Japan Women's Open Golf Championship | Wrap | 02 Oct 2005
Not that there was any need to do so, however, Ai Miyazato raised her amazing profile and popularity in Japanese golf to an even greater level with an easy five shot win at the Japan Women’s Open in Yokohama today.
Not since the eras of Isao Aoki and Jumbo Ozaki has one player evoked so much interest in the game in Japan and there appears to be more to come for the brilliant 20-year-old from Okinawa.
Miyazato, who last week finished second at Stage One qualifying for the USLPGA Tour in 2006, dominated this event from the start, sharing the first round lead with Kasumi Fujii then leading by four after thirty six holes and by six as she entered today’s final round.
Miyazato moved to eight under for the tournament through seven holes to open up a seven shot lead over her nearest rival today, Akiko Fukushima, but she dropped four shots in the next four holes to perhaps flatter those behind. Fukushima held on to finish second, two ahead of Yoko Inoue and Kasumi Fujii.
Nikki Campbell was the best of the two Australians, her last round of two under 70 on the demanding Totsuka Country Club. Campbell improved from 29th to 7th to record her eighth top ten of the season. That elusive victory in Japan is not far away for the Canberra resident.
Tamie Durdin was 37th.
The Japan Ladies Golf Tour now moves to the Sankyo Ladies Open.
