Iwai during the first round of the Black Desert Championship
Chisato Iwai was assessed a two-shot penalty for slow play during the second round of the Black Desert Championship
with it proving to be a pivotal factor as she missed the cut by two strokes
Tournaments can be decided by various moments and, at the Black Desert Championship on the LPGA Tour
one player missed the weekend in a costly fashion
Firing a two-under-par first round of 70 on Thursday
Chisato Iwai needed another solid round on Friday to make the cut and
the 22-year-old found herself at three-under-par for the tournament and on the cutline number
Chisato Iwai was assessed a two-stroke penalty for slow play on No. 8 during round two. @LPGA | @BDChampionshipMay 3, 2025
However, playing the par 3 eighth, her penultimate hole of the day, the Japanese player was assessed a two-stroke penalty for slow play
with her score of par being bumped up to a double bogey
it meant Iwai's three-under-par tournament score moved to one-under-par
which was consequently down to the penalty she received
In a statement to Golf Monthly from the LPGA Tour
it read: "Group 40 was given an official warning on No
and was able to get back into position with the group in front of them
"Group 40 once again fell out of position on No
7 and they were informed that they were officially being timed
8 in her allotted time and a two-stroke penalty was assessed for slow play
in accordance with the LPGA Tour’s Pace of Play Policy."
it's the second missed cut of Iwai's career on the circuit
with the eight-time LPGA of Japan Tour winner previously claiming four consecutive top 30s
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What's more,it proves that the LPGA Tour is enforcing penalties after the circuit announced stricter slow play measures to combat the issue
the LPGA Tour revealed that fines and shot penalties will be enforced if players were unable to follow the new guidance
it was explained that the new measures include fines for pros who take 1-5 seconds over their allotted time to take a shot
a one-stroke penalty for 6-15 seconds over time and a two-stroke penalty for 16 seconds or more over time
Being enforced at the Ford Championship in March, the LPGA Tour also added a further update to the Pace of Play Policy
with a season-long slow play tracker being brought in
It means that players will be tracked all season and face sanctions if they exceed a certain number of holes with bad times throughout the campaign
before also transitioning to equipment and testing
After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months
he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover news and social media
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age
Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard
where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes
despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag
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Sarah Kellam is a Kentucky native and played collegiate golf at Northern Kentucky University
She currently serves as a Manager of Digital Content and prior to the LPGA
Sarah worked as a freelance content creator
Japanese golfer Akie Iwai shot a 3-under 69 on Sunday to finish runner-by one stroke to fellow overnight leader Ingrid Lindblad at the U.S
The 22-year-old LPGA rookie from Japan missed the opportunity to force a playoff for her first tour title when she bogeyed the final hole and finished 20-under for the tournament at El Caballero Country Club in Los Angeles
Japan's Miyu Yamashita (66) moved up five spots to tie for third at 19-under
with compatriot Nasa Hataoka (63) a further stroke back in sixth after surging 23 places on the last day
Iwai jumped 11 spots Saturday to start the final round tied with Lindblad and American Lauren Coughlin
She shot five birdies against two bogeys in Sunday's round
I was so nervous on the last putt on the 18th and couldn't make it
so I'll try to channel my frustration then."
shot 68 to tie for 11th at 15-under with Japan's Rio Takeda (71) and three other players
Golf: Akie Iwai surges into tie for lead at LPGA event in LA
Golf: U.S. LPGA rookie Rio Takeda rolls to 6-shot win in China
Golf: 2 women to play inaugural men's tournament in Japan
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LOS ANGELES — Akie Iwai shot an 8-under 64 playing alongside her twin sister Saturday for a share of the third-round lead in the JM Eagle LA Championship with Lauren Coughlin and Ingrid Lindblad
Coughlin made a 5-foot birdie putt on par-4 18th for a 66
and Lindblad — tied for the second-round lead with Ashleigh Buhai after a career-best 63 — shot 68 to match Iwai at 17-under 199 at El Caballero Country Club
Top-ranked Nelly Korda was three strokes back after a closing three-putt bogey in her final start before her title defense next week in Houston in the major Chevron Championship
the 22-year-old Japanese player in her first season on the LPGA Tour
holed a 60-yard wedge shot for eagle on the par-5 first and had six birdies in her bogey-free round
“I want to just win the tournament,” the six-time JLPGA Tour winner said
“I want to win at least one tournament this year.”
Twin sister Chisato Iwai was tied for 12th at 11 under after a 70
The sisters earned LPGA Tour cards last year at the qualifying tournament
with Chisato finishing second and Akie tying for fifth
Akie didn’t think it was an advantage or disadvantage playing with her sister
“No change mind because just another player
With the temperature in the mid-70s after barely getting into the 60s the previous two days
Coughlin birdied the first three holes and four of the first five
so that’s always really good,” Coughlin said
“Made some really good par saves out there today and kind of in the middle of the round when I didn’t
but was able to steady it and keep it going there at the end.”
The 32-year-old player from Virginia won the CPKC Women’s Open and Women’s Scottish Open last year for her first LPGA Tour victories
The 25-year-old former LSU star from Sweden is in her first season on the tour
“I think just need to like stay in my own bubble a little bit
don’t get too far ahead of myself,” Lindblad said
but we can’t win tonight or on the first tee box tomorrow
So kind of just stay in the present and try to keep playing well.”
She had an eagle — hitting inside 2 feet on the par-5 16th — and four birdies in a back-nine charge muted by two bogeys — the last on 18 when she missed a 1 1/2-foot par try
a little upset with my last putt on the last hole,” Korda said
but unfortunately did not make the last one
Second-ranked Jeeno Thitikul had a 68 to top the group at 13 under
Two-time defending champion Hannah Green was 11 under after a 69
tied for the lead after each of the first two rounds
had a 77 to drop into a tie for 39th at 8 under
The tournament is the final event of the tour’s West Coast swing
It is being played at El Caballero because of renovations at Wilshire
with plans to return to Wilshire next season
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For the second time in the 2025 LPGA Tour season, Akie Iwai earned a runner-up finish on Sunday
Iwai was tied for the JM Eagle LA Championship lead heading into the final round at El Caballero Country Club in Los Angeles
the 22-year-old tour rookie carded a 3-under 69
the Saitama Prefecture native had five birdies and two bogeys to finish at 20-under 268
Sweden's Ingrid Lindblad beat Iwai by one stroke
completing the tourney at 21-under 267 for her first LPGA Tour victory in her third start
Iwai had a chance to force a sudden-death playoff with Lindblad
"I was so nervous on the last putt on the 18th and couldn't make it
Japan's Miyuu Yamashita finished in a three-way tie for third at 19-under 269 along with Germany's Esther Henseleit and Lauren Coughlin of the United States
Also for Japan, Nasa Hataoka
who had the best performance of the final round Sunday (9-under 63)
She placed second at the Honda LPGA Thailand on February 23
Iwai finished one stroke behind winner Angel Yin
In between her strong performance in Thailand and the LA Championship
Iwai tied for 44th at the Ford Championship in Chandler
Up next: the Chevron Championship (April 24-27) in The Woodlands
Playing in his first game after the birth of his daughter, Shohei Ohtani was hitless in three at-bats and walked once on Sunday
The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Texas Rangers 1-0
Ohtani missed the first two games of the three-game series while remaining in California to be with his wife Mamiko for the birth of their first child
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts correctly stated the length of time players are permitted to spend on the paternity list in his remarks about Ohtani on Sunday
"But for him to just make sure the baby was healthy and to get back here
certainly shows his ability to balance life and work
I'm happy [he] and Mamiko have a healthy baby girl."
followed by Japan (110 and Italy (86) in the six-nation biennial event at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium
Malinin and American teammate Jason Brown were 1-2 in the men's free skate with 183.88 and 179.33 points, respectively. Italy’s Daniel Grassl took third (172.45), followed by Shun Sato (169.62) and Yuma Kagiyama (168.93) in fourth and fifth
In the women's free skate, Liu topped the scoring chart with 150.97 points, followed by fellow American Amber Glenn (148.93). Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto was third (145.00)
The World Team Trophy awards points to teams based on skaters' results after both the short program and free skate
New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga leads the National League in ERA (0.79) heading into the week of April 21-27
He's allowed zero runs in each of his last three starts
Author: Ed Odeven
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Japanese golfer Akie Iwai shot an 8-under 64 on Saturday to move into a three-way tie for the lead after the third round of the U.S
The 22-year-old moved up 11 spots from the previous day by starting her bogey-free round with an eagle on the par-5 opening hole and snapping up six birdies
five of them on the back nine at El Caballero Country Club in Los Angeles
who played the round with twin sister Chisato
is tied with Lauren Coughlin (66) of the United States and Ingrid Lindblad (68) of Sweden at 17-under for the tournament
"I was thrilled to get an eagle at the start
which is something that doesn't happen often
but I hope I can improve my score further on the final day."
South Korea's Yoon I Na (64) was alone in fourth at 15-under
who claimed the first win of her rookie season last month
also fired a 64 to shoot up 38 places into a share of fifth with Australia's Minjee Lee and world No
1 Nelly Korda of the United States at 14-under
Chisato Iwai had a 70 to tie for 12th an additional three strokes back
Baseball: Shohei Ohtani announces birth of daughter on Instagram
Figure skating: U.S. holds on to win World Team Trophy, Japan 2nd
Basketball: Hachimura ready to step up for title-chasing Lakers
PATTAYA, Thailand -- Akie Iwai made the most of a sponsor's invite to shoot a 10-under 62 and lead by three strokes after the first round of the LPGA's Thailand tournament at Siam Country Club's Pattaya Old Course
The Japanese player started with four birdies before picking up three more by the turn. She birdied three of her last four holes, equaling the 18-hole record set by countrywoman Yuka Saso in 2022 and American Jessica Korda in 2018
my shots and my putting were good," said Iwai
who has twice played the course in a tournament
"I've learned where to miss and where not to miss
I am getting to know the golf course very well."
The 22-year-old Iwai earned her LPGA Tour membership after finishing in a tie for fifth at the LPGA Final Qualifier last year
Three shots behind was world No. 27 Maja Stark of Sweden, who had an eagle on the fifth hole along with six birdies and one bogey for a 65. Local favorite Moriya Jutanugarn
Birthday girl Jeeno Thitikul, the world No. 2 who turned 22 on Thursday, had a 68, while defending champion Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand shot 71
The event is the first stop of the LPGA's Asian swing before the tour moves to Singapore and China over the next two weeks
Jennifer Meyer is the Manager of Digital Operations
She has worked with the LPGA for more than a decade
Angel Yin shot a blemish-free final round to win the LPGA Thailand tournament by a stroke over a fast-finishing Akie Iwai of Japan and claim her second tour title Sunday
The 26-year-old American made seven birdies and no bogeys for a four-round total of 28-under 260 at Siam Country Club's Pattaya Old Course
which was enough to hold off Iwai despite her 61 being the lowest score of the day
Sunday's victory is the California native's second LPGA title after winning the Buick LPGA Shanghai in 2023
Yin is a two-time major runner-up: at the 2023 Chevron Championship and the 2019 U.S
Yin's best finish in four previous appearances at LPGA Thailand was a share of third place in 2021
"I wasn't that comfortable because Akie shot 10-under the first day and this course is very gettable," Yin said
Iwai was in stunning form as her 10 birdies got the 22-year-old sponsor invite within one shot of Yin with two holes to play
but a lone bogey at the par-4 17th ended her challenge
Thai players completed the top five with Jeeno Thitikul, runner-up in 2021, posting a 67 to finish in third at 21-under 267. Patty Tavatanakit (65) and Moriya Jutanugarn (68) were in a tie for fourth at 19-under 269
The event is the first stop of the LPGA's Asian swing
The tour moves to Singapore and China over the next two weeks
The Associated Press contributed to this report
Akie Iwai of Japan fired a third-round 64 on Saturday to move into a three-way tie for first place at the JM Eagle LA Championship in Los Angeles
Iwai began her round with an eagle on the par-5 first hole and made five birdies on the back nine to go 8 under for the day after the bogey-free round
She goes into the fourth round tied atop the leaderboard at 199 with Lauren Coughlin (66 on Saturday) and Sweden’s Ingrid Lindblad (68)
said she felt she was “getting better than yesterday
… We did five meters (and then) birdie putt most of them.”
She is looking for her first LPGA Tour win
Her best finish was tying for seventh in last year’s British Women’s Open
was coming off a 9-under-par 63 at El Caballero Country Club on Friday
it felt like I got off to a little slower start
Yesterday I just made so many birdies the first couple holes
but kind of just didn’t make as many putts as yesterday
so kind of got some momentum going into the back nine doing that.”
Coughlin also played bogey-free golf and enjoyed the most success early and late in the day
“I hit some OK putts and some not-OK putts there in the middle
but I felt like I hung in there really good
Made some good par saves toward the middle third of the round and then was able to finish it off well,” said Coughlin
Alone in fourth place at 201 is Ina Yoon of South Korea (64)
Nelly Korda (67) and Minjee Lee of Australia (70) are tied for fifth at 14 under
who began the day tied for the lead with Lindblad
followed rounds of 63 and 68 with a 77 on Saturday
She had five bogeys on her first 14 holes and struggled to a double-bogey six on No
John Keefer capped a brilliant fifth-year campaign and posted a highly respectable 11th-place finish at the NCAA Championship
LIV Golf’s investors are reaching into their pockets again for funding
with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund nearing $5 billion in spending on the three-year-old league
Webb Simpson and Nico Echavarria withdrew from the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic
PGA Tour Communications announced on Monday
No reasons for the withdrawals was provided
Report: PIF’s LIV Golf investment nearing $5 billion
Webb Simpson, Nico Echavarria WD from Myrtle Beach Classic
Haeran Ryu never relinquishes lead to capture Black Desert title
Stewart Cink beats Retief Goosen in Insperity Invitational playoff
Thai players completed the top five with Jeeno Thitikul, runner-up in 2021, posting a 67 to finish in third at 21-under 267. Patty Tavatanakit (65) and Moriya Jutanugarn (68) were in a tie for fourth at 19-under 269
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LPGA rookie Akie Iwai opened with a blistering 10-under 62 at the Honda LPGA Thailand
tying the 18-hole course record set by Yuka Saso in 2022 and Jessica Korda in 2018
hit 13 fairways and 16 greens en route to a bogey-free day
She leads by three at Siam Country Club's Pattaya Old Course over Sweden's Maja Stark
"I am getting to know the golf course very well," said Iwai
who is making her third appearance in the event
Iwai competed in every major championship on the LPGA in 2024
tying for seventh at the AIG Women's British Open
Iwai has a goal of finding all the good hamburger shops in each town
Moryia Jutanugarn was the low Thai player in the field
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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Akie Iwai shot an 8-under 64 playing alongside her twin sister Saturday for a share of the third-round lead in the JM Eagle L.A
Championship with Lauren Coughlin and Ingrid Lindblad
Coughlin made a five-foot birdie putt on par-4 18th for a 66
Top-ranked Nelly Korda was three strokes back after a closing three-putt bogey in her final start before her title defence next week in Houston in the major Chevron Championship
“I want to just win the tournament," the six-time JLPGA Tour winner said
"I want to win at least one tournament this year.”
Twin sister Chisato Iwai was tied for 12th at 11-under after a 70
Akie didn't think it was an advantage or disadvantage playing with her sister
She had an eagle — hitting inside two feet on the par-5 16th — and four birdies in a back-nine charge muted by two bogeys — the last on 18 when she missed a 1 1/2-foot par try
Two-time defending champion Hannah Green was 11-under after a 69
had a 77 to drop into a tie for 39th at 8-under
The tournament is the final event of the tour's West Coast swing
AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Akie Iwai shot an 8-under 64 playing alongside her twin sister Saturday for a share of the third-round lead in the JM Eagle LA Championship with Lauren Coughlin and Ingrid Lindblad
fought through a sprained MCL in her left knee to shoot 77
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Akie Iwai of Japan prepares for her shot on the 16th hole during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Akie Iwai of Japan reacts on the 16th green during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Hye-Jin Choi of South Korea watches her shot on the 16th hole during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
watches her shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand chips the ball on green from the 1st hole during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Maja Stark of Sweden watches her shot on the 18h hole during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Esther Henseleit of Germany hits from a fairway 18th during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand reacts after playing on the 1st hole during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Mao Saigo of Japan watches her tee shot on the first hole of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Mao Saigo of Japan hits a tee shot on the first hole of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Jin Young Ko of South Korea hits out of a bunker on the 8th green during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand hits second shot from the 1st fairway during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand watches her shot on the 1st hole during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Moriya Jutanugarn of Thailand watches her shot on the 17th hole during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Chisato Iwai of Japan watches her shot on the 1st hole during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Ruoning Yin of China watches her shot on the 2nd hole during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
watches her shot on the 1st hole during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya
Thailand (AP) — Akie Iwai made the best of a sponsor’s invite to shoot a 10-under 62 and lead by three strokes after the first round of the LPGA’s Thailand tournament at Siam Country Club’s Pattaya Old Course
The Japanese player started with four birdies before picking up three more by the turn
equaling the 18-hole record set by countrywoman Yuka Saso in 2022 and American Jessica Korda in 2018
my shots and my putting were good,” said Iwai
“I’ve learned where to miss and where not to miss
I am getting to know the golf course very well.”
The 22-year-old Iwai earned her LPGA tour membership after finishing in a tie for fifth at the LPGA Final Qualifier last year
who had an eagle on the fifth hole along with six birdies and one bogey for a 65
while defending champion Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand shot 71
The event is the first stop of the LPGA’s so-called Asian swing before the tour moves to Singapore and China over the next two weeks
Akie Iwai recorded 10 birdies to take a three-shot lead after the first round on the Honda LPGA Thailand on Thursday
Iwai tied the 18-hole scoring record at the event
last accomplished by Japanese compatriot Yuka Saso in the final round in 2022
In second place and three shots back after a round of 65 is Maja Stark of Sweden
with home-nation favorite Moriya Jutanugarn standing at 6-under after shooting 66 at the Siam Country Club Old Course in Pattaya
Under partly cloudy skies on a day that reached 88 degrees
Iwai recorded a front-nine score of 29 with seven birdies and two pars
She was one of five players without a bogey on Thursday
she is playing in Thailand this week on a sponsor’s invitation and was
my shots and my putting were good,” said Iwai
“I’ve learned where to miss and where not to miss
I am getting to know the golf course very well.”
Stark didn’t play a bogey-free round
but she was prolific on Thursday with six birdies and one bogey to go along with an eagle on the par-5 No
“It was a lot of fun,” Stark said
“Finally got more control of my driver off the tee and then it felt like it was just pretty simple golf
Jutanugarn had her seventh birdie on the par-5 No
18 to finish her round four back of the leader
Said she was driven by the home crowd in Thailand
like every time coming back here we always had really
really good support from Thai fans,” she said
“Now we even have more like international
… They love LPGA to always (come) back here.”
mixed five birdies and four bogeys to shoot a 71
Three players fired a 67 to enter the second round five back of Iwai — Jin Young Ko of South Korea
Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen and American Angel Yin
Yin acknowledged the heat affected her game
“Kind of disoriented,” she said
First time walking 18 other than my tournament rounds in the beginning of the year
The American narrowly claimed the Honda LPGA Thailand prize ahead of Japan's Akie Iwai - who almost snatched victory away via an outstanding 11-under 61
Yin entered Sunday's action at Siam Country Club's Pattaya Old Course with a five-shot advantage over Iwai and played an extremely tidy final round to end the week on 28-under via seven birdies
it almost wasn't enough after the 22-year-old Japanese pro - who only featured at the tournament via a sponsor's invite - bettered her opening 62 with an 11-under 61 to push Yin all the way
Playing alongside Yin and third-place Jeeno Thitikul
the six-time LPGA of Japan Tour winner only made one mistake all day as she reeled off birdie after birdie to move within one stroke
but it came at almost the worst possible time - on 17
After Yin found the green with her approach at the short par-4
Iwai went long and failed to get up and down
The drama continued right up until the 72nd hole
as Iwai responded to her lone bogey by making eagle at the par-5 18th
The 26-year-old maintained her composure to hole out in four
and she could celebrate a first LPGA Tour title since the 2023 Buick LPGA Shanghai
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Addressing the external pressures of her run to the line
I wasn't that comfortable because Akie shot 10-under the first day and this course is very gettable
Last time I played with Jeeno she beat me at CME
especially the group in front with Moriya [Jutanugarn] playing well and everyone else
"I stuck to my strategy book and didn't really budge
It wasn't like I needed to change my strategy up because that was the best strategy going in because it brought me where I was today."
Following Yin, Iwai and Thitkul on the leaderboard were the Thai duo of Patty Tavatanakit and Moriya Jutanugarn in a tie for fourth on 19-under
South Korea's A Lim Kim was sixth on her own at 17-under
Denmark's Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Allisen Corpuz shared seventh on 16-under while Japan's Rio Takeda and England's Georgia Hall completed the top-10 a stroke further back still
The LPGA Tour continues with the HSBC Women's World Championship at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore next week before the Blue Bay LPGA in Hainan
China rounds off the mini Asian Swing days later
He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper
Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game
Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time
He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Shunji Iwai’s directorial debut Love Letter
the film will be re-released in a 4K remaster starting on April 4th (Friday)
known for directing critically acclaimed works such as Swallowtail
has made a significant mark in the world of visual arts since 1988
often referred to as “Iwai Aesthetic,” has garnered widespread attention in various genres
including the Best Film Award at the 19th Japan Academy Awards
Toyokawa won the Best Supporting Actor Award and the Popularity Award (Actor Category)
while Sakai and Kashiwabara took home the Newcomer Actor Award
was awarded Best Actress by various film festivals
Love Letter was shown in over 20 countries and regions worldwide
its 9th revival screening surpassed 100,000 viewers
The film continues to be celebrated as a cornerstone of romantic cinema
The 4K remaster of Love Letter will be screened in more than 40 theaters across Japan
a limited-edition anniversary T-shirt is available for pre-order through the online store “En-to-Shi-ba” until April 11th (Friday) at noon
Shunji Iwai has also shared a comment in anticipation of the screening
It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since the theatrical release
The focus required was completely different from using a video camera
The theme of “letters” was particularly challenging
and I spent countless hours pushing my brain to its limits
unsure until the very end if I was succeeding
But when Miho Nakayama watched the first cut and tears filled her eyes
I finally felt a sense of relief—like the film had truly come together
Miho and I were talking about visiting Otaru
Learning that Love Letter would be screened again in theaters as a 4K remaster made me realize just how beloved the film has been over the years
I get messages on social media from young people and fans worldwide who are still discovering the movie
we’ve worked on parts that were hard to adjust in the original film
and the sound has been upgraded to 5.1ch digital surround—though the center channel still carries the original film’s audio
I’m truly excited to see Love Letter return to the big screen
and I hope you’ll experience it again in theaters
Love Letter [4K Remaster]National Release on April 4 (Friday) at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya and other theaters
CastHiroko Watanabe / Tree Fujii: Miho NakayamaShigeru Akiba: Etsushi ToyokawaGirl/Tree: Miki SakaiBoy/Tree: Takashi KashiwabaraAkiko Fujii: Fumie KashiyamaGōkichi Fujii: Katsuyuki ShinoharaYasuyo Fujii: Mariko KagaSeiichi Fujii: Keiichi Suzuki
StaffProducer: Koichi MurakamiPlanning: Kazuo Shigemura
Toshikazu HoriguchiExecutive Producers: Chiaki Matsushita
Masahiko NagasawaDirector/Screenplay: Shunji IwaiCinematography: Noboru ShinodaLighting: Yuki NakamuraArt: Terumi HosoishiMusic: REMEDIOSLine Producer: Hiroyuki KameiAssociate Producer: Takaaki KadaCo-Producer: Shinya Kawai
Production: Fuji TelevisionCo-Production: ROBOTDistribution: TOHO NEXT© Fuji Television
NiEW Best Music is a playlist featuring artists leading the music scene and offering alternative styles in our rapidly evolving society
the NiEW editorial team proudly curates outstanding music that transcends size
USA; Chisato Iwai of Japan hits a tee shot at the first hole during the first round of The Chevron Championship golf tournament
Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
The LPGA Cracks Down on Slow Play: Young Golfer Penalized for Snail’s Pace
In a bold move to tackle the ongoing issue of slow play in professional golf
the LPGA Tour has taken a stand by imposing penalties on players who fail to keep up the pace
During the recent Black Desert Championship in Utah
22-year-old Japanese pro Chisato Iwai found herself at the center of controversy after being slapped with a two-stroke penalty for slow play on the 8th hole during round two
The LPGA’s decision to penalize Iwai is part of a broader effort to address the sluggish pace that has been plaguing the sport
With rounds exceeding five-and-a-half hours becoming all too common
fans and players alike have expressed frustration with the lack of action on the course
The penalty not only impacted Iwai’s score for the round
but also served as a warning to the entire field that slow play will not be tolerated
This crackdown on slow play comes as the LPGA implements a new policy aimed at improving the overall pace of the game
players face escalating penalties for exceeding time limits during their shots
From fines for minor delays to one-stroke penalties for more significant infractions
the two-stroke penalty given to Iwai highlights the Tour’s commitment to enforcing stricter regulations
1 Nelly Korda has been a vocal advocate for faster play in golf and has welcomed the LPGA’s new policy with open arms
Emphasizing the need for a more entertaining and efficient game
Korda believes that stricter enforcement is crucial for the sport’s appeal
and fans who are fed up with the slow pace of women’s professional golf
While some players argue that slow play is necessary for making quality shots
have called for even harsher consequences for offenders
Hull’s proposal of a two-shot penalty for three timing violations underscores the growing divide among players on how to address the pace problem in golf
the PGA Tour is set to reduce field sizes in an effort to combat slow play starting in 2026
has introduced a season-long tracking system to monitor players’ pace of play closely
targeting habitual slow players who might otherwise go unnoticed
the LPGA’s stringent penalties like the one imposed on Iwai are sending a clear message to players: pick up the pace or face the consequences
While the long-term impact of these penalties remains to be seen
one thing is certain—professional golf is serious about speeding up play to ensure a more exciting and enjoyable experience for players and fans alike
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Japanese twin sisters Akie Iwai and Chisato Iwai are considered leading candidates for the Rookie of the Year award along with Yoon Na on this year's Ladies Professional Golf (LPGA) Tour
Her older sister Akie and younger sister Chisato
who ranked third and fifth in Mercedes rankings with three wins each on the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA) Tour last year
made full preparations ahead of the 2025 season to successfully settle on the LPGA Tour
who unfortunately failed to make the cut at the Founders Cup
took the lead with a 15-under 129 for two days
His younger brother Chezato was tied for eighth at 7-under 137
"Last year was the best year for us when we won multiple victories and won a spot on the LPGA Tour
We are preparing hard this year as in previous years to take on new challenges
but I hope we can achieve our desired goals," he said in unison
It was in the first grade of elementary school that the sisters
After receiving a golf club as a Christmas gift
he became fascinated with golf and decided to become a professional golfer in the first round a year later
Among the two players who became professionals in 2021
the first to stand out was his younger brother Jisato
After winning his first championship at the NEC Caruizawa 72 Golf Tournament in August 2022
he added six more wins to achieve a career-high seven wins
Her older sister Akie has added wins since reaching the top of the KKT Cup Vantelin Ladies Open for the first time in April 2023
Akie has emerged as one of the players representing the JLPGA Tour with three wins each in 2023 and last year
who made their long-cherished dream of becoming the first twin champions of the JLPGA Tour a reality
achieved another goal of going on the LPGA Tour together this year
I vaguely thought that I wanted to play on the LPGA Tour with my sister
but this year it became a reality," said her younger sister
I will try hard until the day when all the people around the world who enjoy golf know my name," he stressed
who cited each other as the strongest competitors for the Rookie of the Year award
voiced their opinions that there is no concession when it comes to the game
"I think I'm really fortunate to be able to live on the LPGA Tour with my younger brother
when they face off for the championship and the rookie award
just because they are family members doesn't give them a break
I will do my best in every competition I participate in," he said
The Ewai sisters introduced mental strength and versatility as the ability to take from each other
but I have a strong heart that does not shake under any circumstances so much that I think I am great." Younger sister Chezato said
I have a desire to become a hexagonal player with no shortcomings like my sister," he said
The two players picked Yoon-na and Kim Hyo-joo as the opponents they want to face most on the LPGA Tour
"I played with Yoon-na in the qualifying (Q) series and she was a really good player
I'm looking forward to seeing how he will perform on the LPGA Tour," he explained
"I became a fan after seeing Kim Hyo-joo at the Toto Japan Classic
an LPGA Tour tournament in Japan," said her younger brother
My older sister Akie uses a blue driver and my younger sister Zisato uses a red driver
"Yonex Club is easy to hit and goes far away
but the preferred color of the head is different," he said with a big smile
※ This service is provided by machine translation tool
Thailand — Sponsor invite Akie Iwai of Japan shot a 5-under 67 Friday to take a two-stroke lead after two rounds of the Honda LPGA Thailand at Siam Country Club’s Pattaya Old Course
Iwai had a two-round total of 13-under 129
Angel Yin shot 64 Friday and was in second place
That’s why I made a lot of birdies,” said Iwai
Angel Yin staved off the challenge of Japan’s Akie Iwai on Sunday to etch her name into LPGA Tour history with a record-breaking victory at the Honda LPGA Thailand
Yin carded seven birdies during her bogey-free round to finish at 7-under-par 65 on Sunday and 28-under 260 for the tournament at Siam Country Club’s Pattaya Old Course
She broke the 72-hole tournament scoring record set by Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Xiyu Lin in 2022
Yin’s steady play was just enough to keep Iwai at bay and wrap up her second career LPGA Tour title
was one stroke better on Sunday with an 18-hole course-record 61
I’ve never played the final round with a five-shot lead
It’s not a tournament or golf course where five shots is a lot,” Yin said
“Considering that Akie shot Thursday 10-under
I knew she was able and capable of shooting a low score
like A Lim (Kim) who won in the beginning of the year
“I knew I just needed to keep playing how I was playing and we’ll see what happens.”
Iwai momentarily shared the lead at 24-under after a birdie on the 12th hole
The 22-year-old finished with 10 birdies over her first 16 holes before taking a step back with a bogey at the par-4 17th
Yin birdied her final hole to pocket the first-prize check of $255,000 for winning the tournament
her first since capturing the Buick LPGA Shanghai in 2023
Yin’s 260 was seven strokes better than her previous best 72-hole score set at the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship
The 26-year-old Californian also recorded the lowest 72-hole score in relation to par on the LPGA Tour since Lydia Ko at the 2021 LOTTE Championship
carded a 67 on Sunday to finish in third place at 21-under for the tournament
“You can’t be good all the day and then you can’t be bad all week long.”
and Jutanugarn (68) tied for fourth place at 19-under
There are concerns that the Centre might sideline the State in river-related affairs
PANAJIAmidst heated discussion over the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) allegedly bypassing the Goa government to approve a private jetty at Malim
the Ports Minister’s statement made it clear that the State retains 90 per cent control over its rivers despite nationalisation
The fresh controversy centred around the IWAI’s portal-generated no-objection certificate (NOC) for the private jetty
has already triggered concerns that the Centre might be sidelining the State in river-related affairs
But a closer look at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last June suggests otherwise
“The river nationalisation comes under the IWAI but 90 per cent of the powers will rest with the State,” Ports Minister Aleixo Sequeira had clarified after returning from a maritime conclave in Delhi where he represented Goa last December
He then reiterated that the MoU spells out in black and white how responsibilities are split between the IWAI and the Ports Administration
Sources in Delhi confirmed to The Goan that the NOC uploaded by the IWAI is a general procedural clearance -- a formality that holds no legal weight without follow-up approvals from the Goa government
“The IWAI’s clearance cannot override the State’s rights
The jetty cannot move forward without its permission,” the source revealed
The MoU itself is categorical as Article 3.2
which lays the foundation of river management in Goa under the national waterways framework
the Goa government will propose development projects and the IWAI will finance them only after considering technical
environmental and public sensitivities as flagged by the State
It further stated that the IWAI must implement projects in consultation with the Goa government; while also the Captain of Ports is free to undertake independent river infrastructure works with State funds
and the revenue will go entirely to the State
existing river infrastructure and riverine land remain with the Captain of Ports
National waterway status does not limit the State’s rights over minerals or water
Permissions and NOCs for projects on riverbanks rest with the CoP
with IWAI clearance required only for cross structures like bridges or underwater cables,” the MoU further stated.
Thai veteran Moriya Jutanugarn sits in third on six-under. Iwai's twin Chisato had an opening round to forget
carding four bogeys on her way to even par and a share of 40th place
in her debut season on the top women's tour after a successful spell on the Japanese circuit
said she was pleased with a good all-round performance
"Today I did shoot well and putted well
Two-time Solheim Cup star Stark said she was happy to be driving better than at the Founders Cup at Florida's Bradenton Country Club this month
"I felt like in Bradenton I had a couple of big misses off the tees that really ruined my scores," the 25-year-old said
"Finally got more control of my driver off the tee and then it felt like it was just pretty simple golf."
Founders Cup winner Yealimi Noh shot two under par in Pattaya to lie off the pace in 23rd as the tour began an Asian swing that also takes in Singapore next week and China from March 6th to 9th
The LPGA is introducing a new pace of play policy after the Asian run
starting at the Ford Championship from March 27th to 30th in Chandler
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Jeeno's birthday blitz as Thai ace soars late
NEWSPAPER SECTION: Sports
CHON BURI — Akie Iwai upstaged a star-studded field with a stunning 10-under-par 62 in the opening round of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2025 on Thursday
made 10 birdies in a flawless performance that matched the record low tournament score at the Siam Country Club Old Course
who covered the front nine in seven-under 29 and came back in three-under 33
She set the seal on one of the rounds of her life by converting a five-footer for birdie on 18 after a majestic wedge approach into the par-five
On a hot and humid day when no fewer than 39 of the 72-strong starting field bettered par
Making her third appearance in the US$1.7 million (about 60 million baht) LPGA Tour showpiece
Thai world No.2 Jeeno Thitikul is in contention after a 68
she holds a three-shot lead over Sweden's Maja Stark with Moriya Jutanugarn leading the Thailand challenge a further stroke back in sole possession of third place after a 66
world No.2 Jeeno Thitikul produced a storming finish to haul herself into contention in a share of seventh spot on four-under 68
who was serenaded with choruses of 'Happy Birthday to You' as she made her way around the course
was even-par through 14 before discovering her touch with the putter
After making an eight-footer for a fourth successive birdie at 18
Jeeno was presented with a birthday cake by tournament organisers
"I've never had Happy Birthday sung to me so many times
I really appreciate the spectators making it here on my birthday
I really appreciate them and want to do well for them," said Jeeno
who is bidding for back-to-back victories having triumphed in a Ladies European Tour event in Saudi Arabia last week
and Pajaree Anannarukarn are among those at two-under 70
while Patty Tavatanakit began the defence of her title with a hard-fought one-under-par 71
who finished in a tie for fifth at the Final Qualifying portion of LPGA Q-Series to earn LPGA Tour Membership for the 2025 season
course management was a key to her bogey-free round
"Knowing this course is important and not getting out of position
Having played in this tournament twice before
I've learned where to miss and where not to miss," said Iwai
whose big-game temperament is not in doubt
having had top-10 finishes in two Majors last year
The Evian Championship (tied 10th) and AIG Women's Open (tied seventh)
She added three more in succession from the seventh to reach the turn in seven-under 29
Iwai picked up further strokes on 15 and 16
she appeared to be blocked out by the over-hanging branches of a tree to the right of the green
the Japanese launched her ball high into orbit and saw it nestle close to the flag at the front of the putting surface
Also enjoying herself was 25-year-old Stark
The greens are tricky and I think you learn to take more break than you actually see
but hopefully I can keep it up and try to stay sharp," she said
was in a bullish mood after beginning her campaign with a five-under 67 for a share of fourth place
I think it's in amazing condition this year," said the Dane
Three-time former winner Amy Yang of South Korea returned a 69
but fellow former winners Lilia Vu (76) and Anna Nordqvist (78) found the going somewhat tougher
Thai amateur Pimpisa Rubrong produced one of the shots of the day
a fairway wood second shot to the par-five seventh that rolled within a couple of feet of the cup
a score matched by American Gianna Clemente
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The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways
The 150-acre park is strategically connected to NH7 via a 650 m access road and is just 1.5 km from the NH7-NH2 junction
the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said in a press release
It will seamlessly integrate with the Eastern dedicated freight corridor through a 5.1 km railway line from Jeonathpur station and National Waterway-1 and is located 30 km from Lal Bahadur Shastri airport
The project promises significant investment and employment opportunities
strengthening India's logistics sector
This initiative is a testament to India's commitment to developing its logistics sector and reinforcing its position as a global economic powerhouse
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