OMITAMA, Japan -- Akie Iwai of Japan shot a 9-under 63 on Thursday to lead the first round of the LPGA's Toto Japan Classic.
Three other Japanese players -- Nasa Hataoka, Yuna Nishimura and Mone Inami -- were a stroke back after rounds of 64 at the Taiheiyo Club in north central Japan.
Defending champion Gemma Dryburgh of Scotland was four back after a 67. American Rose Zhang was four back with a 68 in a very crowded field at the top.
Dryburgh's victory last year was her first on the LPGA Tour. She received a special prize, a toilet, from the Japanese sponsor Toto, which makes bathroom appliances and fixtures.