If Shugo Imahira wins this week, he doesn't need to wait until the JT Cup to achieve defending his Order of Merit Champion title, but he couldn't get on the good rhythm and stumbled on Round 1. Shugo analyses the cause as "too much clothes".
"It was raining so hard. But I don't like wearing so many while I play. I think that effected my play."

He took off the rain jacket when he was making the shots, but he had to keep his knit sweater on since it was freezing cold in the afternoon.
"My Iron shots were going sideways, couldn't control it right."
He didn't perform like he always does and had to settle for only 1 birdie and 3 bogeys. He sits at 84T with 2 over par score.

Last week, Shaun Norris, No.2 on the Money List had to withdraw due to illness. Shaun says, "It was sad not being to play last week, but I am glad that I got to rest and become well by this week". Shugo is in the same group with Shaun Norris, who finished his R1 with 3 under play. But Shugo is calm as always.
"If the rain stops, I know I can play the way I want to. I know I am a bit behind, but I will try to get into red numbers tomorrow and make charge on the weekend."