Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki Wins Women’s British Open

Lytham St. Annes, England, Aug. 2 (Jiji Press)–Japanese golfer Shiho Kuwaki won the Women’s British Open, the season’s final major event for women, on Sunday. At the event held at Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club in Lytham St. Annes, northwestern England, Kuwaki defeated Germany’s Esther Henseleit in a playoff after they finished tied at 5-under-par in total after the 18 holes in the final round on the day, winning prize money of 1.5 million dollars. This was the 23-year-old’s first victory on the U.S. LPGA Tour. Kuwaki also became the seventh Japanese woman to capture a major title, following Miyu Yamashita, who won the Women’s British Open last year. The feat by Kuwaki also marked the eighth victory overall by a Japanese female golfer. Starting the final round in second place three shots behind the leader, Kuwaki carded three birdies and two bogeys. In the playoff, she saved a par on the second hole to defeat the German rival. “I really can’t believe it. I am filled with joy,” Kuwaki said, adding that she was honored to play in the tournament. She said she was able to enjoy the competition until the very end and fully focused on each and every hole. Looking ahead, Kuwaki said she hopes to continue improving her skills without becoming complacent with the victory. Among other Japanese players, Rio Takeda finished sixth at 1-under-par, and Yuka Saso and Minami Katsu tied for 12th at even par. Mao Saigo was 23rd, and Yuna Araki and Chisato Iwai shared 29th place. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]