Heavy Rain Reduces LPGA Japan Classic to 54 Holes

Heavy rains and storms from Tropical Storm Kong-rey have forced the LPGA's Toto Japan Classic to be reduced to 54 holes, with the third round washed out and rescheduled to Sunday. The storm has significantly impacted Taiwan and the Philippines, leading to severe flooding and two reported deaths. Japanese golfer Hana Wakimoto leads the tournament at 13 under par, two strokes ahead of American Yealimi Noh and Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn. Should she maintain her lead, Wakimoto will face a pivotal decision regarding her LPGA membership, similar to the situation faced by Mone Inami after her victory last year. This tournament marks the conclusion of the LPGA's four-event Asian swing before heading to Hawaii and Florida for the season's final events. The LPGA has noted that this is the second event impacted by heavy rains in recent weeks.