Sumitomo Life Vitality Ladies Tokai Classic tournament

The Sumitomo Life Vitality Ladies Tokai Classic began with mixed performances among top Japanese female golfers. During the opening rounds at Shin Nan Aichi CC Mimihama Course, Yui Kawamoto recovered from a difficult second round to secure a spot within the cut line, while former champion Hinako Shibuno struggled, placing 63rd. Defending champion Sora Kamiya expressed frustration with recent results, though Hana Wakimoto entered the tournament in good form.

By the conclusion of the tournament at Shinmin Aichi Country Club, Akari Sakuma secured her seventh career title and third victory of the season. After finishing the final round at 13 under par, Sakuma entered a playoff against Sora Kamiya. Sakuma won the playoff on the first extra hole after Kamiya hit her second shot into a water hazard. The victory earned Sakuma 18 million yen and improved her position in the annual points rankings.

Following the tournament, Hinako Shibuno’s performance was noted as a missed cut, marking her fifth consecutive missed cut across both Japanese and U.S. tours. Despite this slump, she is expected to secure a semi-seed for next season based on her current points ranking.