(23 November 2009 – Mitoyo, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan)
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rnJapan&aposs Chie Arimura upstaged some of her more illustrious opponents to run away with an 8-shot victory at the Daio Paper Elleair Ladies Open on Sunday. Arimura set up the victory in the second round by equalling an LPGA of Japan record with a round of 10-under par 62. In second place was 16-year old amateur Horukyo Nomura with the Japanese duo of Yuko Mitsuka and Rui Kitada tied for third.
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rnArimura headed into the final round with a four shot lead after a superb display on the second day, and in the end she was never troubled throughout another flawless round. Celebrating her 22nd birthday, Arimura fired five birdies including three in her last four holes to romp to a comprehensive victory. Her final bogey-free round of 5-under par 67 saw her complete the entire tournament without a single bogey.
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rnThe win was Arimura’s fifth title of the season and sixth of her career. She moved up to third on the Money List, just ¥17 Million behind leader Shinobu Moromizato, and in with a slim chance of usurping her and Sakura Yokomine for the Money List title. After she finished, Arimura commented, “It means a lot that I won at this time of the season. I’m filled with satisfaction. I wasn’t at my best today but I could concentrate on what I had to do for each shot. My iron shots went really well.”
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rnNikki Campbell remained in 12th place on the Money List after finishing in a tie for 5th at 10-under par total 206. Campbell had started the tournament in brilliant fashion, taking the first round lead after firing seven birdies on the back nine for a round of 6-under par 66. She added two rounds of 2-under par 70 to record her 10th Top-10 of a very impressive season.
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rnThis week sees the culmination of the 2009 Japanese Tour with the ¥100million LPGA Tour Championship Ricoh Cup. Apart from finding a winner, the Money List title will be decided between Moromizato, Yokomine and Arimura.
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Photo courtesy of Fujitsu Ladies.