The World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup has kicked off with a bang, showcasing thrilling performances and unexpected turns at the Ibaraki Golf Club East Course. The tournament, which began on May 8, 2025, has already seen some standout moments, particularly from Japan's own Nasa Hataoka and Saiki Fujita.
On the first day of competition, the spotlight was on Saiki Fujita, who shot an impressive '66' with 7 birdies and just 1 bogey, placing her at the top of the leaderboard at 6 under par. This performance marks her return to form as she aims for her first major title in 15 years since her last victory at the Japan Women's Professional Championship in 2010. "I didn’t expect to score like this today, so it feels perfect," Fujita reflected after her round, emphasizing her delight at the unexpected success given her recent struggles with a wrist injury.
Nasa Hataoka, a formidable force on the tour with 6 wins on the US circuit, also made her presence felt. She finished the first day with a score of '69', featuring 4 birdies and 1 bogey, putting her in a tie for 5th place at 3 under par. Hataoka's remarkable skills were on full display during the second round when she executed a stunning bunker shot on the par 5 first hole. The shot drew gasps from the gallery as it landed near the hole, showcasing her exceptional distance control. "What a beautiful shot!" exclaimed commentators, praising her technique.
As the tournament progressed into the second day, the competition intensified. Hataoka continued to play well, securing another birdie after a challenging putt, bringing her score to 2 birdies and 1 bogey for the day as she aimed to climb the leaderboard further.
However, not all players found success on the second day. Hinako Shibuno, who was aiming for consecutive major victories following her win at last year's JLPGA Tour Championship Ricoh Cup, struggled significantly. After starting strong with a score of '67' on the first day, Shibuno's performance took a downturn as she posted a disappointing '79' on day two, which included 1 birdie, 4 bogeys, and 2 double bogeys. "I couldn’t play the way I wanted to today. It was frustrating," she admitted, visibly emotional after her round.
Shibuno's collapse left her with a total score of 2 over par, placing her outside the qualifying range and 8 strokes behind the leader, Fujita. Despite the setback, Shibuno expressed her determination to aim for a top-10 finish, stating, "Right now, I’m just focusing on doing my best to get back in contention." Her resilience is commendable as she continues to work through the challenges.
Meanwhile, the leaderboard saw other notable performances. Sakura Koide, another strong competitor, shot a '67' with 6 birdies and 1 bogey, securing second place at 5 under par. She is closely followed by I. Min-young from Korea and Karen Fujita, both tied for third at 4 under par. The competition remains fierce as players strive to secure their positions heading into the final rounds.
The event has not only been about the competition but also about the excitement and anticipation surrounding the players. The gallery, packed with 4572 spectators on the first day, witnessed moments of brilliance and heartbreak, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that comes with professional golf.
As the tournament continues, all eyes will be on Fujita as she seeks to maintain her lead and secure her first major win in over a decade. With Hataoka and other talented players hot on her heels, the next rounds promise to deliver more thrilling golf action.
In conclusion, the World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup is shaping up to be a memorable event, filled with outstanding performances, emotional moments, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the rest of the tournament will unfold, with many hoping to see Hataoka and Fujita battle it out for the title.
