Tournament article

ANA Open 2019

Shugo Imahira kept his co-leader position in spite of leg injury accident

4 young guns of "20 somethings" placed their names on the top of the leader board after Round 1 at ANA Open. 26 years old Daijiro Izumida and Ryuko Tokimatsu, 23 years old Rikuya Hoshino, and the oldest among them 27 years old Shugo Imahira all tied at the top with 6 under.

Shugo's final hole for today was Par 5 9th. He had 60 yards left for his 3rd shot from the fairway, but suddenly Shugo sat down on the ground in pain. After getting the permission from the rule's officials, his physical trainer rushed for rescue. He has few seconds of treatment and got back on the game. The shot he made got to 2-meter to the pin and ended with a birdie.

"I felt terrible cramp on my right calf at the tee shot on 9th. I never felt that much of pain before."

"Today, Hokkaido's temperature declined rapidly and also the deep carpet like grass must have worn the players muscles", said Shugo's physical trainer.
Shugo was afraid that he has pulled his muscle, but it turned out to be a cramp, so he literary got back on his feet and went on to make a birdie finish.

2 years ago, Shugo was in 3-way playoff with Yuta Ikeda and Ryuko Tokimatsu but got dropped off in the 1st hole.
"I really regret that play off, so I really want to win this year and accomplish my revenge."