11 Japanese players, including Akie Iwai, will compete in the LPGA CPKC Women's Open. (Part 1)

The LPGA Women's Golf Tour's CPKC Women's Open kicked off on the evening of August 21st (Japan time) at Mississauga Golf & Country Club in Canada, and will be broadcasted and streamed live every day on WOWOW. Eleven Japanese players will be competing, including Akie Iwai, who won her first US Tour title at last week's The Standard Portland Classic, and Mao Saigo, who came in second place alone in last year's tournament. Just before the tournament kicked off, they spoke about their enthusiasm in an interview with WOWOW. The event will be broadcast in two parts.

◇Akinori Iwai

--It's been a few days since your first win, have you had a chance to celebrate?

Yes, we all toasted together on Sunday night.

--There are 11 games left, including this tournament. Looking back on this season, what kind of season do you think it has been?

I feel like I've had a lot of different experiences. I've had some frustrating experiences, but last week I also had some really happy experiences, and it made me realize how great sports are.

--This week's tournament is held on one of Canada's most impressive courses. What are your impressions after playing it?

I started from the first hole today, and the outbound course was pretty flat. There was a bit of a gap on the inbound course, but I got the impression that this week will be a battle of the players to extend their lead. The course was really beautiful.

--There are some holes where you need to be particularly careful, including one that involves a pond, but are there any areas you need to be careful about?

Be careful on all holes.

--Please tell us your enthusiasm for this week.

I hope to be able to concentrate on each shot and enjoy the game.

◇ Chirei Iwai

--Akemi won last week. How did you feel watching her win?

I didn't go to cheer right after my game finished, but when they came up, I was cheering them on with the feeling of "I wonder if they're okay, I wonder if they're okay, I hope they win."

--There are only 11 tournaments left on the LPGA Tour. How do you feel the season has been for you so far?

I'm very relieved that we were able to win. I think there were many occasions where we could have done better, so I want to apply that in future matches.

--This course is one of Canada's most historic courses, but what was your impression after playing it?

It's beautiful. The rough is also quite long and the greens are undulating, so I imagine it would be very difficult if the weather or wind were to blow and it was rough.

-What are you practicing in particular this week, and what are you practicing to suit this course?

Yesterday I practiced on the half course and went home straight away, and today after the pro-am I practiced chipping and putting a bit, but I ended up practicing getting used to the speed of the green.

Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for this week.

This week too, I will do my best to compete for the championship at my own pace.

◇Reo Takeda

What is your overall impression of this course?

It was fun to play because there were ups and downs and the fairways were sloping.

--It looks pretty wet from yesterday's rain, how do you feel about the conditions?

It rained quite a bit yesterday, so it was damp and I think that's why it didn't fly as well today.

--You've been in good form since last week, but how do you feel about your shots?

Well, it's going okay. If I can just make good puttings, I think I'll be able to get into a good rhythm.

---What do you think are the key points to getting a good score?

I think it's important to make sure I can get birdies on the par 5s.

-Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for this week.

I want to concentrate fully from tomorrow and do my best for the next four days.

◇Nasa Hataoka

--This is your first tournament since the Women's British Open, how did you spend it?

I took two weeks off and practiced in Orlando (Florida).

--I imagine it was hot in Orlando, but how do you feel about the difference in climate?

Orlando is humid and hot, but Canada is warmer than I expected. I thought it would be cooler or colder, but it's actually quite comfortable.

-What is your overall impression of this week's course?

The rough is long, so I think staying on the fairway will be key, and it's especially difficult to reach the green from the rough when it rains, so I want to first work on being able to stay on the fairway.

-How do you feel about your shots this week?

I think I'm making good use of the things I've been working on during the off-season, and I think I'm gradually improving on the course, so I hope I can keep doing well.

--The majors are over this year and we're nearing the end of the season, so please tell us if there are any future goals or things you'd like to focus on.

I hope we can win multiple times in the 10 games starting this week, but first I'll do my best to get one win.