Mizuno Classic 2012: Ayako Uehara shares first-round lead with Jiyai Shin
Japanese Ayako Uehara displayed an electrifying performance in the first round of Mizuno Classic 2012, as she fired a 68 on Friday to share the lead with South Korean Jiyai Shin.
The three-day LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) tournament is being played at the prestigious Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club, Shima-s**+, Mie, Japan, featuring most of the top-ranked
names.
Although Uehara was not among the favourites for the tournament, a quick start in the opening round sent other local players scrambling to post as big scores as they could.
At the end of the first round, 8 Japanese players stood inside the top 10—reflecting the next two rounds will be more challenging for players from other Asian countries and the United States.
Uehara started the opening day with heaps of enthusiasm, as she steered clear of a bogey on the front nine. She holed two birdies on the 4th and the difficult par-3 8th.
However, on the back nine, she carded a bogey on the 10th hole, but redressed it by shooting back-to-back birdies on the next three holes.
Commentators said that a stellar performance by most of the prominent Japanese players has intensified the competition, with other players now determined to atone for lapses in the next two
rounds.
They said that another factor that helped the players carry on with confidence was a much-needed crowd support. For Japanese contenders, it was more than just an appreciation and support as
the spectators got behind them on every single hole, spurring them on.
Swedish Annika Sorenstam, who racked up five titles at Mizuno Classic in her successful career, said while talking to the LPGA Tour that the crowd support for the ongoing event was more than
just amazing, as it shows how much the country has embraced golf in recent years.
“The Japanese culture is one that is very dedicated to whatever it is they do,” said the golfing sensation.
She heaped praise on Japanese people for their commitment to the sport, saying their efforts have garnered plenty of business and media coverage. “Work, golf, etc., they all seem to have an
incredible dedication and passion for what they do. I think it is part of their culture to work hard and try to be the best”.
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