Miyu Yamashita shares the first-round LPGA lead in Japan as she tries for two wins in a row

Miyu Yamashita, who won the LPGA’s Maybank Championship in Malaysia last weekend, was among three players atop the leaderboard after the first round of the Toto Japan ClassicByThe Associated PressNovember 5, 2026, 2:49 AMOMITAMA, Japan -- Miyu Yamashita, who won the LPGA's Maybank Championship in Malaysia over the weekend, was among three players atop the leaderboard after Thursday's first round of the Toto Japan Classic.Yamashita and fellow Japanese Aki Iwai and Sayaka Takahashi players shot 6-under-66s for a one-stroke lead over a group of three more just off the pace.Iwai is also coming off a victory in late September in the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.Minami Hiruta, Pajaree Anannarukarn and Fuka Suga shot 67 Thursday.Nine players, including defending champion Nasa Hataoka, were two off the lead after 68s on the 6,598-yard layout.Popular ReadsThe Toto Japan Classic is the last of four tournaments in the LPGA's so-called late-season Asian swing.___See AP’s full golf coverage her eSponsored Content by TaboolaPopular Reads