Japan's Iwai claims Mexico crown for first LPGA title

Japan’s Chisato Iwai birdied five of the first six holes to seize command on her way to winning the Mexico Riviera Maya Open on Sunday for her first LPGA title.

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The 22-year-old from Saitama fired a final-round six-under par 66 to finish 72 holes on 12-under 276 at Maya-koba resort.

She matched the biggest LPGA victory margin this year in defeating runner-up Jenny Bae by six strokes with South Korea's Kang Hae-Ji third on 283.

“I’m so happy,” Iwai said. “My mentality was so calm every time. It was just calm, good play.”

Iwai became the third LPGA winner of the season from Japan, after Rio Takeda won the Blue Bell in China in March and Mao Saigo took the Chevron Championship last month, and the 20th Japanese player overall to win an LPGA crown.