Japan’s Reina Fujikawa has made history by becoming the first Japanese winner on the LET Access Series (LETAS) after defeating Denmark’s Amalie Leth-Nissen in a dramatic six-hole play-off at the Montauban Ladies open.
In regulation play, Fujikawa birdied the last hole in a calm fashion to find herself in a two way play off alongside LETAS Order of Merit leader and previous winner this season, Leth-Nissen.
In the first three play-off holes both players couldn’t be separated and made par each time.
At the fourth tiredness kicked in and both players made bogey.
After one more hole of both carding pars, the sixth hole became the decider as Leth-Nissen missed a five-foot putt for par, whilst Fujikawa kept her cool to make hers.
Speaking about what this win means to her Fujikawa said: “This win still doesn’t feel real. The winning feeling is so raw to me.
“I couldn’t believe it when the first person told me congratulations. That was a long battle and I had a lot of difficult times out there today in regulation play and in the play off.
“Now I’m just so happy.
“Things have been difficult so far for me in Europe. I feel reassured knowing that I can make it this far.”
Fujikawa left Japan to compete on LETAS after struggling on the LPGA of Japan Tour and admits that travelling alone was a daunting experience but one she now doesn’t regret.
“I didn’t have a very good record in Japan. There are so many tough and strong players out there. I wanted to learn English again and broaden my horizons.”
“I’m a little sad to have won overseas but I’ll keep working hard in front of everyone so that I can win again when I return to Japan. So please continue to support me from afar.”
Fujikawa doesn’t have too much time to celebrate her win as she now alongside the Tour head to Czechia for the AMUNDI Czech Ladies challenge at Panorama Golf Resort.
“I’m so happy but I won’t have some big celebrations. I want to just work hard for my next victory. There were so many things I lacked over the past three days. I’m still not satisfied.
“I’ll think I’ll try to make it perfect next time.”
Denmark’s Amalie Leth-Nissen finished second after the gruelling six-hole play-off but can walk away knowing she maintains a 397.25 point advantage on the LETAS Order of Merit.
Iceland’s Andrea Bergsdottir had the lowest round of the day 67(-5) to climb 24 positions up the rankings into solo third. That marks the Icelandic’s player second top five in a row.
Germany’s Leonie Harm, Australia’s Belinda Ji, Isle of Man’s Ana Dawson alongside France’s Charlotte Liautier finished tied fourth on five-under-par.
Meanwhile six players tied for eighth on four-under-par including the Order of Merit’s second ranked player England’s Gemma Clews and 15-year-old French amateur Alice Kong.
The AMUNDI Czech Ladies Challenge will see 132 players tee it up across 52 holes of golf.
Czech star and two-time LET winner, after today’s stunning performance at the Tennerife Women’s Open, Sara Kouskova is returning to her roots and plans to play on LETAS at home during a break in the LET schedule.
For more information on the tournament, visit letaccess.com and follow @LETAccess on Facebook, Instagram and X – #Access2LET.
