Akie and Chisato Iwai, identical twins from Japan born just a minute apart, have made history as the first twins to win on the LPGA Tour in their debut seasons. Chisato claimed her first title at the Riviera Maya Open in Mexico in May, followed by Akie's triumph in Portland three months later.
The 23-year-old Iwai sisters have drawn attention as the first twins to secure silverware on the LPGA Tour. Chisato won her first title at the Riviera Maya Open in Mexico in May, while Akie triumphed in Portland three months later.
At the Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Akie told AFP, "I didn't think I would win on the Tour this year. But my sister won first and her victory inspired me. I did my best and felt the power in me to win. This is a special year for the both of us." Chisato echoed, "We inspire each other a lot, so it's a special feeling for both of us to win."
The LPGA Tour has seen title-winning siblings before, including Sweden's Annika and Charlotta Sorenstam, Thailand's Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn, and the US sisters Nelly and Jessica Korda, who have 21 Tour titles between them.
The sisters differ in personality and style. Akie is quieter and prefers baseball caps, known for hitting the ball farther. Chisato is more outgoing, wears a visor, and is a stronger putter. Off the course, they avoid golf talk: "We do not talk about golf. Just about life in general," Chisato said.
Heading into Sunday's final round at the Maybank Championship, Akie was tied for seventh after shooting her best round of 66 on Saturday, while Chisato was tied 28th. Akie added, "The results do not matter, I just want to smile and have fun."