Japanese rookie Chisato Iwai stormed ahead in the final round of the Mexico Riviera Maya Open and never looked back to win for the first time on the LPGA in dominant fashion.

Chisato, 22, entered the final round one shot back, then birdied five of her first six holes Sunday to take a commanding lead at Mayakoba. Chisato, who has an identical twin sister Akie who is also a rookie on Tour, shot a final-round six-under-par 66 to win. She was never challenged and won by six shots, which matches the largest margin of victory this season.

Chisato shot 68-74-68-66 (276) to win at 12 under, raising both arms triumphantly with a smile after the final putt dropped.

“My mental [approach] is so calm, every day, every time,” Chisato said. “It was just calm. Good play.”

This is the first time the LPGA has a set of twins on tour and they’re both rising stars. Akie, who is older by one minute, was there with a hug, champagne and congratulations. She shot a final-round 70 and finished in a tie for 16th, 10 shots back of her sister. Akie and other players doused Chisato, who didn’t get emotional until she read a speech on the green thanking her team.

Chisato earned $375,000 and becomes the 12th player to win this year and the third from Japan, following Rio Takeda (Blue Bay LPGA) and Mao Saigo (Chevron Championship). Chisato is the 20th Japanese player in the history of the LPGA to win.

Jenny Bae, the third-round leader, shot a final-round 73 and finished second, six shots back.

Akie Iwai has finished second in two tournaments this year, but Chisato becomes the first to win. Asked about the competition with her sister on Saturday if she were to get the first LPGA win, Chisato said: “I think my sister Akie would be motivated to get her own win if I win.”

Chisato’s timing is impeccable as she heads to the U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills in Wisconsin.

Both Chisato and Akie already had spots in the field, but Chisato goes into the toughest test in golf with all the momentum. Asked about it, Chisato smiled and showed just a little bit of room with her hands, referring to confidence.

This is Chisato’s first top-10 finish of the season. She admitted to some nerves Sunday but had her usual approach to stave off any anxiety. “Just stick with my routine and my mental [approach] to stay calm,” she said.

Nerves weren’t evident, especially playing with a big lead. Her approach stayed the same, “no matter how many birdies I had.”

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Chisato Iwai (left) is hugged by her twin sister Akie Iwai, who celebrated Chisato’s victory on the 18th hole Sunday in Mexico – Christian Petersen

In April, the Chisato twins made history at the JM Eagle LA Championship in Tarzana, Calif., when, for the first time on tour, twins played together in a round. Akie finished second there and Chiasto tied for 11th, her best tournament until Sunday.

The twins arrived in Mexico early and did some fun, touristy things before play. It seems Mexico suits Chisato, who weathered a heat index over 100 in the final round, which surely made that champagne shower a refreshing one.

Chiasto was wearing a pink skirt, which she says is her lucky colour. She won three times on the Japan LPGA wearing pink on Sundays.

“I’m happy to win. I’m grateful for everyone here,” Chisato said. “Thanks to my team, sponsors, family and friends.”

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Main Image: Christian Petersen