Yuta Ikeda admires legendary Jumbo Ozaki as his hero, who has won at Keya GC for 4 times, which is the most multi victory at this tournament. Yuta has already won 3 times here and is urged to make it 4 this year. He was aggressive and made a great jump start on Round 1.

Yuta started from the 10th tee today, scored 8 under 64 with 9 birdies and a bogey, including the 4 straight birdies from 6th to the final hole.

"It was great ending today. My shots are okay, and my putting is hot. I think my putting fits this course as always", said Yuta with a big smile praising himself.

Due to the heavy disastrous rain fell all over the Fukuoka Prefecture caused the starting time of the Round 1to be delayed for 4 hours. Yuta stayed in his car and watched the thick clouds fly by so fast and told himself that "rain clouds will go away quick enough and the play will start." So, he kept his concentration keen, and was warm and ready for the tee off at 12:05 pm.

At ABC Augusta, players are introduced at the starting tee with their selected tune. Yuta chose well know samurai drama song and the crowd burst into laughter when they heard it since the song matched him so much.

Delayed schedule made 69 players unable to finish the Round 1, but Yuta was lucky to hole out with the great round of 8 under.
"I watched that samurai drama with my grandparents, the hero does great job and I think I was able to do great today thanks to that song."

Yuta has won here at 2009, 2015 and 2017. If he could win this week, he would be able to put his name right next to his hero Jumbo Ozaki's record of 4 wins (1990,1996,1997,1998) at this prestigious tournament.