Japan’s Akie Iwai produced a superb final-round 66 to clinch the Portland Classic by four strokes, joining her twin sister Chisato as a first-time LPGA Tour winner in their rookie season.
Starting with a two-shot lead at Edgewater Country Club, Iwai never faltered, closing at 24-under 264. The 25-year-old world No 29 became the 10th first-time winner on the LPGA this season and the fifth Japanese player to triumph.
Her twin Chisato made an inspired charge with an eight-under 64, but it was American Gurleen Kaur who claimed outright second on 268 after a bogey-free 65 – her best-ever round on tour.
Iwai admitted the wave of Japanese success, and her sister’s victory at the Riviera Maya Open in May, drove her to step up.
“She really inspired me,” Iwai said. “That’s why I did my best this year. Today I was able to conquer myself.”
Her round was built on consistency, with birdies at the 5th and 6th, two more at 11 and 14, and a vital up-and-down for par at 16. She sealed the win in style, holing a curling putt at 17 and an 18-footer at 18 before being sprayed in champagne by her sister.
Chisato, who had started seven shots back, thrilled with eagles at the 5th and 7th, plus four birdies in a row from the 9th to 12th. She shared third on 269 with Sweden’s Linn Grant, who signed for a 67.
Evian Championship winner Grace Kim, just two shots off the pace at the start, closed with a 70 to finish fifth on 18-under 270.
South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai shared 57th on three-under 285 after a final-round 76.
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Photo: Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
Article Link: Akie Iwai joins twin sister as LPGA winner