Friday at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan saw Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) unleash his by-now traditional pace to top the combined timesheets, with the Frenchman ahead of the field by 0.321 seconds by the end of FP2 as he begins his bid to wrap up the Rookie of the Year title this weekend.

The next man up was Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), who had the tables turned on him in the afternoon after topping FP1, with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) completing the top three after a classic last dash scramble for most near the end of action.

Dry but grey skies were the name of the game on Day 1 and the program was a full one as rain threatens the rest of the weekend, with places in Q2 seemingly up for grabs already. As a manufacturer, it was Yamaha who were quickest out the blocks, with Viñales leading a 1-2-3 for the Iwata marque in the morning and Quartararo strking late to take over as the first of four Yamahas in the top six after FP2. Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was a late mover to take fifth overall on Day 1, ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) in P6.

So who spoiled the party? Only Marquez in third and Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) in fourth were able put paid to Yamaha domination, although that ends up proving a good omen for both the Iwata marque and the two men who were able to join the upper echelons of the timesheets.

Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) was exceedingly close to the top six, however, with the Australian seventh overall by just 0.015. He also suffered a crash on his very final lap of the day, rider ok but bike needing a little T&C overnight. Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) was P8 and 0.042 off his fellow Ducati rider, with Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) impressing to end Day 1 as top Suzuki once again – just as he did in Thailand. He was 0.022 off Petrucci despite a run off at Turn 5.

Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) is the final man who stands to take an automatic place in Q2 if the expected weather closes in, with the Spaniard pushing out some high-profile hopefuls: Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was P11 by just 0.009, Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) was 12th and Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 13th. Both Rins and Crutchlow were on the podium last year behind winner Marquez, although in reverse order.

Rookie Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) was 14th on Day 1 and just ahead of Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu), who locked out the fastest 15. The home hero is scheduled to undergo surgery after Motegi and miss the final three races of the season, so a solid finish will be in his sights.

Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) had a fast one at Turn 12 on Friday, but the Portuguese rider was given the all clear and will be back out on Saturday. He was 19th on Day 1.

That’s it from an interesting opening day at Motegi, as Quartararo’s Thursday assertion stands true: he doesn’t seem to pay much heed as to whether it’s meant to be a Honda or Yamaha track. But then, neither did the rest of the Iwata marque machines…can they keep that form on Saturday? Will Marquez blast back to take pole at the last venue he has yet to reign in the premier class? Or…will the weather steal the headlines? Find out who’s heading through to Q2 at 10:50 local time (GMT+9) as FP3 begins slightly later than normal, before qualifying from 15:05 to decide the grid for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan.

Friday’s fastest:1 – Fabio Quartararo* (FRA – Yamaha) 1’44.764

2 – Maverick Viñales (SPA – Yamaha) +0.321

3 – Marc Marquez (SPA – Honda) +0.336

4 – Andrea Dovizioso (ITA – Ducati) +0.650

5 – Valentino Rossi (ITA – Yamaha) +0.702

*Independent Team rider

Viñales lost out to Quartararo but was quick once againNewly-crowned Champion Marquez rounded out the top threeMarquez holds off two KTMs on Day 1The Championship leader keeps Binder and Martin at bay on FridayChampionship leader Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) was the man to beat on Day 1 at Motegi, topping the combined timesheets by nearly two tenths ahead of key rival Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo). Binder’s teammate, Jorge Martin, completed the top three as the rookie continued his impressive form from Thailand.

Friday was a dry one despite rain seemingly on the horizon for Saturday, and the stakes were high throughout the classes as the grids rushed to try and take provisional spots in Q2. Marquez did that, and the Spaniard’s 0.181 in his pocket is a good early omen for him taking his fourth win at the track on Sunday. Binder, however, continues his charge towards the front as top scorer over the last eight races and the South African was fastest in FP1, second in FP2. He’s 44 points adrift in the Championship but off to a top start, as was teammate Martin as the two also spent some time running together on track.

Fourth place, meanwhile, went to runaway Thai GP winner Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) and he was only 0.020 off the top three, with Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) for even closer company in fifth as the Brit was just 0.008 in arrears by the end of the day. The tiny gaps continued throughout the entirety of the top twenty, with only Marquez over a tenth clear of his closest rival.

Nicolo Bulega (Sky Racing Team VR46) impressed in P6 ahead of another impressive Italian as Stefano Manzi (MV Agusta Temporary Forward) took seventh, giving MV their best position on the timesheets. Manzi also suffered quite a wobble as he ran wide and later crashed, but wasn’t deposed from the top ten. Tom Lüthi (Dynavolt Intact GP) was eighth quickest at a venue that’s he’s reigned in the past, and the Swiss rider was another to suffer a bit of a moment.

Tetsuta Nagashima (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) did the home fans proud on Friday and was second in FP1 and ninth overall despite not improving his laptime, ahead of Lorenzo Baldassarri (Flexbox HP 40) and Marcel Schrötter (Dynavolt Intact GP).

Looking for a familiar name in the top ten or so? The man second in the standings, Augusto Fernandez (Flexbox HP 40), had a more muted Friday at Motegi and took 12th, although he is amongst the provisional Q2 graduates should Saturday welcome rain. Iker Lecuona (monday.com American Racing) was P13 despite a moment, ahead of Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team).

Remy Gardner (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) missed out despite some pace in FP1 as the Australian crashed twice on Friday, and both Beta Tools Speed Up teammate Jorge Navarro and Fabio Di Giannantonio also surprisingly stand to miss out on Q2 graduation, with ‘Diggia’ in P15 and Navarro in P19.

Will Marquez keep his reign if it rains? Will Binder reel him in? Or will Saturday see another change at the top? Moto2™ FP3 begins at 9:55 local time (GMT+9), before qualifying from  the earlier time of 13:30.

Friday’s fastest:1 – Alex Marquez (SPA – Kalex) 1’50.647

2 – Brad Binder (RSA – KTM) +0.181

3 – Jorge Martin (SPA – KTM) +0.254

4 – Luca Marini (ITA – Kalex) +0.274

5 – Sam Lowes (GBR – Kalex) +0.282

Migno makes it three Fridays on top with P1 at MotegiThree is a magic number for the Italian as he reigns his third Friday in a row, this time ahead of Ramirez and McPheeAndrea Migno (Mugen Race) is making a habit of going fastest on Friday of late and the Italian did it again in the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, ending Day 1 on top of the combined timesheets ahead of Marcos Ramirez (Leopard Racing) and John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing). With weather warnings that look set to affect the Twin Ring Motegi on Saturday, that top three could be the trio heading the troops into Q2, too.

Friday was a cloudy grey day but the rain stayed away and it began with title rivals Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) and Aron Canet (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) taking a 1-2 in FP1, despite some drama courtesy of Championship leader Dalla Porta. The Italian first shot a full second clear of the field before then losing control and suffering his first crash of the day near the end of the session, only narrowly avoided by teammate Ramirez.

No harm done, the battle rolled on but it wasn’t the two men top of the standings that would ultimately reign the day. Everyone went on to improve bar VNE Snipers’ Tony Arbolino and Estrella Galicia 0,0’s Sergio Garcia, with Migno snatching P1 late in the action to complete his Friday three-of-a-kind. Ramirez took second as top Honda at their home track, and McPhee had a top start to the weekend as he aims to home in on P3 overall by the end of the year.

In the final shuffle – as is customary when the rain could be on the way – it was red sectors everywhere and Jakub Kornfeil (Redox PrüstelGP) took fourth, although the Czech veteran set exactly the same personal best lap as the man just behind him, Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3).

Rookie Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) acquitted himself well – although he is on his second visit to Motegi despite rookie status – and he took sixth overall as one of the biggest improvers in FP2, just half a tenth off the Kornfeil/Rodrigo best efforts ahead of him. Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) was seventh by the end of play and the fastest home hero, but just a single thousandth behind Vietti.

Darryn Binder (CIP – Green Power) put in an impressive Friday to take P8 ahead of Kaito Toba (Honda Team Asia), with Buriram winner Albert Arenas (Gaviota Angel Nieto Team) completing the top ten as he edged out Dalla Porta by just 0.003.

Speaking of Dalla Porta, the Championship leader was again just ahead of key rival Canet in FP2, but the two are only 11th and 12th on the timesheets and the Leopard Racing rider again took a tumble at Turn 5 in the afternoon. They were both victim to late improvers but will be happy to at least have provisional places in Q2 wrapped up, where they’ll be joined by home heroes Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) in P13 and Ayumu Sasaki (Petronas Sprinta Racing) in P14.

One key name gone AWOL from that list is Tony Arbolino, who was P22 on Day 1 and that after struggling with an arm issue in Thailand. Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) made his return from injury in 19th, one place ahead of Jaume Masia (Mugen Race) doing the same, whereas Romano Fenati’s (VNE Snipers) comeback put him in P26.

Filip Salač (Redox PrüstelGP) suffered a big highside on Friday and is to be reviewed before FP3, and the Czech rider also ran afoul of the Stewards in FP1 and was given a pit lane start for riding slowly.

See who can improve – and where the lightweight class will end up on the grid – on Saturday at the Twin Ring Motegi, with FP3 at 9:00 (GMT +9) before qualifying from 12:35…and a weather forecast that could shuffle everything all over again.

Friday’s fastest:1 – Andrea Migno (ITA – KTM) 1’56.742

2 – Marcos Ramirez  (SPA – Honda) +0.097

3 – John McPhee (GBR – Honda) +0.135

4 – Jakub Kornfeil (CZE – KTM) +0.295

5 – Gabriel Rodrigo (ARG – Honda) +0.295

Sandy, who will once again be sharing the cockpit with teammate Martin Rump for the final round, says the pair should perform well at the circuit, pointing out that they have a lot of experience here in other series.

“Although it’ll be our first time using our new 2019 Spec Audi R8 GT3 Evo at this track, we are confident that we have the formula to be successful. Martin brings with him many years of experience on this circuit with this car, so together we should able to finely tune the car for whatever conditions we may face,” he says.

Before heading to Buriram, Sandy and the B-Quik Racing Team will perform a shakedown of the car to make sure that everything is working properly. After a successful round in Bang Saen, the Thai driver is keen to get back into the car.

“Bang Saen feels like it happened ages ago, but I’ve been keeping fit and ready for this last round. I’m looking forward to driving at Buriram again and it’ll be interesting to see our pace compared to our competitors now that we have the new Audi R8 GT3 Evo. We’re also still in the hunt for the Teams’ and Drivers’ championships, with many points still up for grabs,” says Sandy.

The culminating round of the Thailand Super Series will be one to watch as there is still plenty to play for in the points standings. Sandy is currently 2nd in the overall standings and will be giving it everything to get onto the top step of the podium in Buriram. The Thai driver is focused and prepared and is eager to continue the strong form from the previous round in Bang Saen.

Sandy is sponsored by The Pizza Company, Thai Airways, Puma Thailand, Thaiwings Travel Agency, Dacon Trading, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand.

“I’m happy how I played today,” said Yang, who won February’s Honda LPGA Thailand for her fourth career LPGA victory. “My swing felt very stable out there and hit some lot of solid shots out there and making some good putts, so it’s been a good round.”

Hataoka comes to Shanghai as one of the hottest players in women’s golf. The native of Ibaraki, Japan, has not finished outside the top seven in her last five events across the LPGA and JLPGA Tours, including two JLPGA major wins at the Japan LPGA Championship Konica Minolta Cup and the Japan Women’s Open Golf Championship. She visited the LPGA Tour’s victory circle at the 2019 Kia Classic.

Americans Jessica Korda and Angel Yin are tied for third at -4. Defending champion Danielle Kang is one of seven players tied for fifth at -3, while Shanshan Feng opened with a 2-under 70 and sits tied for 12th.

ASIAN SWINGS SUIT YANG WELL

It’s very fair to say that Amy Yang really likes playing in Asia. The 30-year-old from Ilsan, Republic of Korea, has four LPGA victories to her name, all coming while the Tour was visiting Asia. She earned her first victory in her home country at the 2013 LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship, and she captured the 2013, 2015 and 2019 Honda LPGA Thailand.

She certainly got her quest for a fifth title off to a good start on Thursday, sitting in a share of first after 18 holes with Nasa Hataoka. But the veteran player knows that it’s far too early to be thinking about adding another win to the resume.

“We have 54 more holes to go,” she said with a laugh. “I have been working hard, so I would like to see some good results in this Asia swing.”

ACE FOR ALTOMARE

The par-3 second at Qizhong Garden Golf Club quickly became a favorite hole for Brittany Altomare. Starting from No. 10, Altomare made the turn at 2-over on her round. But on No. 2, Altomare rolled in an ace from 175 yards using a 6-iron, her first hole-in-one in LPGA competition. Her ball hit the front portion of the green and quickly sped right into the center of the hole. She followed with birdies at holes 4 and 5 to finish with a 2-under 70 and is tied for 12th going into the second round.

“I just came off a couple holes that didn’t really go my way and I felt good about the club that I had,” said Altomare, who said it was her seventh career hole-in-one. “Made a really good swing finally and went right where I wanted to and went in the hole.”

For her efforts, Altomare won a 2019 Buick Lacrosse Avenir. Her ace was the 26th of the LPGA Tour season, with every ace coming from a different player.

KORDA FINDING HER GAME AFTER EXTENDED BREAK

The Buick LPGA Shanghai marks Jessica Korda’s first competition since she went 3-0-1 for Team USA at the Solheim Cup in September. With the extended break behind her, an opening-round 68 brought a smile to the tall American’s face – the hard re-entry into competition was over.

“A little rusty with a couple shots. I’m going to go to the driving range and try to figure that out a little bit,” said Korda of her performance. “But, yeah, I was really proud of myself today. Speed of the greens was changing a lot. Definitely got a lot faster at the end, but I was able to keep it together.”

PLAYER NOTES

Rolex Rankings No. 20 Amy Yang (67)

• She hit 12 of 14 fairways and 17 of 18 greens, with 30 putts
• Yang is in her 12th season on the LPGA Tour; she has four career victories, all coming in Asia at the 2013 LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship and the 2013, 2017 and 2019 Honda LPGA Thailand
• This is Yang’s 20th event of the 2019 LPGA Tour season; she won the Honda LPGA Thailand and has four other top-10 finishes
• She tied for 34th at the 2018 Buick LPGA Shanghai

Rolex Rankings No. 4 Nasa Hataoka (67)

• She hit 13 of 14 fairways and 14 of 18 greens, with 26 putts
• Hataoka is in her third season on the LPGA Tour; she has three career victories, most recently at the 2019 Kia Classic
• This is Hataoka’s 18th event of the 2019 LPGA Tour season; she won the Kia Classic and has four other top-10 finishes
• She is playing in her first Buick LPGA Shanghai

AON RISK REWARD CHALLENGE HOLE

No. 17, par 5

TOURNAMENT SCORING RECORDS

18 holes: 62 (-8), Peiyun Chien, third round, 2018

36 holes: 134 (-10), Sei Young Kim, 2018

54 holes: 205 (-11), Carlota Ciganda, Sei Young Kim, 2018

72 holes: 275 (-13), Danielle Kang, 2018

The 30-year-old, making his first start of the 2019-20 PGA TOUR Season, started his round strongly with four successive birdies from the 11^th to 14^th holes before trading three bogeys against two more birdies in the US$9.75 million tournament which is Korea’s only PGA TOUR event.

Countryman Jazz Janewattananond was five-over through 11 holes before fighting back with four birdies to sign for a 74 and ended the day in T62.

Kiradech was satisfied with his start. “There’s a lot of good thing in there, a lot of good shots. Just missed a couple of putts overall. I had one poor shot all day. Three under to start, I’ll accept it with the way my body is. I mean, it’s quite tiring. Hopefully I can stay strong enough to play well for four days,” said Kiradech, who is the only Thai to hold a full PGA TOUR card.

Korea’s Byeong Hun An fired a superb bogey-free 64 to snatch the first round lead, with Chile’s rising star Joaquinn Niemann trailing in second place following a 65, highlighted by seven birdies. Australia’s Jason Day carded a 66 for third.

The burly Thai is competing despite carrying a lingering right knee injury and he hopes it will hold up as he attempts to sustain his good start. “I’m good to go on almost every shot I hit. I start in the right position and need to maintain my position because of the injury. I’m just trying to play with it, manage it,” he said.

The 23-year-old Jazz, who earned his place in the elite 78-man field by being the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, dropped two triple bogeys on the sixth and 11^th holes but salvaged his card with five birdies.

“Didn’t start off good … all pars and then that triple caught me. And then another one on 11. I think it’s the first time ever I have two triples in one round. Other than that, everything else was all right. Just got a bit unlucky and didn’t go the way I wanted it,” said Jazz, who has won twice on the Asian Tour this season.

“This is not the right tournament to make two triples in the first day. I’m going to hang on, I’m not going to give up, but I’m just saying like I never had a round like this before in my life. A couple of the holes don’t suit my eye, but I think I’ll fix it tomorrow and see if I can climb back up the leaderboard. I know I can make birdies on this course,” added the young Thai.

 Kiradech will make his first start of the new 2019-20 PGA TOUR Season after successfully retaining his TOUR card by finishing in 83^rd position on the FedExCup points list. While he is still nursing a knee injury, the big-hitting Thai is optimistic of a strong showing in what is the first of three lucrative PGA TOUR tournaments in Asia this month.

 “I’m getting healthier, lost some weight and feel stronger. I’ve been working like a proper athlete but I still have a lot to work to do. My right knee is slowly recovering and hopefully it can get better,” said Kiradech today.

 Since taking a tumble at the Masters Tournament in April, Kiradech has struggled with a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. He started working with physiotherapist Anthony Gheogegan, who worked with Olympic athletes such as Usain Bolt previously, and believes it has helped bring some relief.

 “I spent three days with him and he’s the first guy who has managed to help improve my knee which is amazing. It’s a combination of chiropractor and physio work and soft tissue treatment. But it has relieved the pain in my knee,” said Kiradech.

“My game feels much better, spent some good sessions with Pete over the last two days and if I can stay strong till Sunday, you might see a few good things. We’re working on some  things to make sure I keep things right.”

 The burly 30-year-old believes he can make a bigger impact in his second season on the PGA TOUR. “I’m getting used to the TOUR, players and golf courses, feels more like home now,” said Kiradech, a former Asian Tour No. 1.

 Jazz, 23, is featuring in this week’s elite 78-man field by virtue of being the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader and the reigning Korean Open champion intends to use the next three PGA TOUR tournaments which he is exempted as well to test his game against the best golfers in the world.

 This week’s CJ CUP features World No. 1 Brooks Koepka, who is also the defending champion, 2017 FedExCup winner Justin Thomas, the inaugural winner here, Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson, reigning U.S. Open winner Gary Woodland and Sergio Garcia.

 “It’s a demanding golf course, a ball-striker’s course and you need to putt well. It’ll test every aspect of your game. As you’ll expect, it’s a PGA TOUR event and you’ve got the best players here who play on the biggest tour in the world. I’m happy I have a chance to be here and to compete against them,” said Jazz.

 Two recent top-5 finishes on the Japan Golf Tour, which helped seal his place next week’s inaugural ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP in Japan, have given Jazz a boost in his attempt to challenge for the title in Korea.

 “A month ago, I was struggling a bit, couldn’t get the ball rolling but I found my way back again and had some top-5s, so I hope to see if the trend keeps that way,” he said.

 “It’s a good opportunity, to get into these next three events, it’s a dream. At the start of the year, every player wants to have these as the goal. I said I wanted to get into CJ, ZOZO and HSBC (WGC-HSBC Champions in China) and it’s worked out.”

 He aspires to join Kiradech on the PGA TOUR but is prepared to bid his time. “It’s no rush, a step by step process. I’m improving for sure but there’s no such thing that I’ll definitely get there. It will happen only when I get there. I just want to keep improving and the next three weeks will give me the chance to see where I am out here. It’s great that I could work with Pete this week as I didn’t know he would be here. He can always give me  the direction that I need to take in my game.”

The Motul Grand Prix of Japan is just around the corner, and for many in the paddock that means one thing: a little time in Tokyo. The stunning Japanese metropolis stretches horizon to horizon and could entertain for an eternity, but this year there was one particular experience in store for MotoGP™: teamLab Borderless.

What is it? A museum, but not the kind that would first come to mind for most. A multi-sensory, audio-visual experience, teamLab Borderless is a world of artworks without borders that interact with, influence and compliment each other to perfection – as well as immersing every visitor in a truly unique experience. No two experiences are ever the same, because the art also reacts to the people there to enjoy it.

The fantastic five making their way through the space before hitting the road to the Twin Ring Motegi were home heroes Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu), Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Ayumu Sasaki (Petronas Sprinta Racing), as well as Beta Tools Speed Up teammates Jorge Navarro and Fabio Di Giannantonio, with their visit beginning in a particularly spectacular exhibit: the Forest of Resonating Lamps.

Lamps, mirrors and light create a 360 degree experience in the Forest, with the colours changing and the brightness of each lamp ebbing and flowing as the installation interacts with the people in the room. Touch one, it reacts – and the riders had a good few minutes to tap, hold, poke and wonder.

Top photo L-R: “Universe of Water Particles on a Rock where People Gather” quite literally: Sasaki, Suzuki, Nakagami, Di Giannantonio and Navarro

The beauty of the musuem certainly resonated with Suzuki, Di Giannantonio, Nakagami, Sasaki and Navarro (L-R)Nakagami in the Forest of Lamps……which has more than one party trickNext it was time to wander through the Crystal World; a stunning light and sound display that mirrors a myriad of different elements from nature. And you can ‘choose your nature’, with each having different sounds, speeds, colours, brightness and effects. The riders chose a few different ones, and the photographers? It was a patient game waiting for the random cycle of options to try and recreate that perfect shot. Or at least, come as close as possible within the ever-changing display.Throwing some shapes in a spectacular space: the Crystal WorldMirror, mirror, on every wallTaka strikes a poseFrom the stunning light of the Crystal World, the riders next saw the Forest of Flowers and People and Animals Born of Flowers in the Flower Forest – with the walls all seeming to move at once with a cacophony of colour. And the flowers bloom from your feet, creating new shoots that grow and go on to interact with those around them.L-R: Navarro, Nakagami, Sasaki, Di Giannantonio and Suzuki in bloomSuzuki amongst the flowersThe incredible Universe of Water Particles on a Rock where People Gather awaited next. Cascading down the wall, the artwork is another that reacts to the touch of those who approach it; moving to accommodate and surround each person who sits on the ‘rock’ formation at the bottom. As well as everyone else. The centrepiece of one of the biggest spaces in teamLab Borderless, it captivated the group for a good while before they set sail for the light sculpture space and Black Waves, where you’re surrounded by a digital ocean of crashing waves.Don’t go chasing waterfalls: let them surround youSasaki has a moment of zen and the artwork moves around him…as ‘Diggia’ limbers up for the GPFinally, the visit ended in the Athletics Forest, where there’s everything from a stunning, star-studded trampoline to a flower-covered slide – and of course, a brief little bit of racing as the natural born competitor came out. And the Weightless Forest of Resonating Life proved a hit too, with huge bulb-shaped lights that move and change colour as people pass through – or bump into them. After drawing an underwater creature each – many of which proved MotoGP™-themed – and scanning them into a digital aquarium to each swim their own way, the riders then emerged back into the bright daylight of Tokyo to also head off to their next stops.

Via the odd pitstop or two, that’s Motegi for all five – so make it your destination too and tune in for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan this weekend.

Suzuki, ‘Diggia’, Sasaki, Navarro and Nakagami in the Weightless Forest, one of the latter stopsTakaaki Nakagami: “Absolutely amazing. It was really nice to be there, it’s really emotional and I didn’t expect it to be like that inside. I enjoyed it and I think everyone did, seeing the designs and the music, the light…everything is impressive. Thanks to MotoGP for inviting me and teamLab. If we have time I want to go with my family and go again!

“This is my home GP and the weather looks a bit unstable on Friday and Saturday but Sunday looks good and that’s important for the race, but anyway…as always I feel a lot of pressure with the Japanese fans, year by year I feel so many fans come to Motegi and give me a lot of energy. I’ll try my best as always and maybe this weekend I’ll have a little extra power from the fans! I’ll do my best.”

Tatsuki Suzuki: “it’s emotional to come here. It makes me really happy because it’s so beautiful and it’s Japanese technology, really really fantastic. And I’m really proud to be Japanese. This summer when I came back to Japan I also came here but it’s so fantastic, people from outside Japan have to come here to see it. I’m so happy to be here and now, we’ll see in Motegi.”

Ayumu Sasaki: “It’s the first time I’ve been here and it’s a really nice place. It’s quite close to my house – like 35 or 40 minutes but I’d never been and it was a really great experience.

“My last few races have been tough but I had a good feeling and the speed to fight for the podium so I hope i can fight for the podium at Motegi and get my first podium in the World Championship in front of the home fans.”

Jorge Navarro: “It was a really cool experience with the effects and the lights, and at the end we even finished up drawing a bit, it was really fun. I think the room with the pillows was good cause I’m pretty tired haha…but no, being serious, the one with all the changing effects with the lights was really good.”

Fabio Di Giannantonio: “It has been a great experience, I like artistic things and there are a lot of cool effects, it’s been really nice. I like the waterfall, the big waterfall and the interactive screen where you can touch the wall and create trees and flowers…that was really nice.”

Honda heroes visit the Honda Collection Hall at MotegiL-R: Spencer, Marquez, Redman, Lorenzo and TakahashiWednesday hosted a special event in the magnificent Honda Collection Hall as 2019 MotoGP™ World Champion Marc Marquez and his teammate, five-time World Champion Jorge Lorenzo, joined up with some Honda legends ahead of the Motul Grand Prix of Japan.

Joining the 2020 Repsol Honda line-up were MotoGP™ Legends Jim Redman and Freddie Spencer, as well as home hero Kunimitsu Takahashi, making it three generations of Honda Champions meeting the international and national media at the event.

And before that? Honda Collection Hall technicians were on hand to start some of the classic Honda racing machines and let those gathered hear them roar back into life.

L-R: Takahashi, Spencer, Marquez, Lorenzo and Redman

“I’m just so happy to be able to play in China because normally I play in the U.S. or Europe. There are not that many Chinese fans who come on site and support us. This is a week that everybody will come and most of them will support the Chinese players like me,” said Feng, who last played in her home country in Nov. 2018 at the Blue Bay LPGA. “I’m happy to see that and that gives me a lot of drive to try to hit good shots and make good putts for them. I’m at home, so I have Chinese food every day and I have my family, my team here. I’m just so enjoying the whole week.”

In 2017, Feng became the first golfer from Mainland China, male or female, to reach World No. 1. Feng, who also earned a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics, has been a true pioneer for Chinese golf, paving the way for the next generation through her play, her foundation and her support.

“I think girls back in China, a lot of them they are very talented. They just need chances,” said Feng. “They need people to guide them, to tell them what to do and plan for them. Maybe we’ve been helping them a little bit.”

That work shows particularly true this week. Seven players from Mainland China are in the field at the Second Stage of LPGA Qualifying School in Venice, Fla., and Feng’s always expressive face lit up when she spoke of 21-year-old Yan Liu, who is tied for the lead after 36 holes.

“Seeing the Chinese flag on top and her name on the top, I was so proud of her,” said Feng, whose company provides management guidance for Liu. “Other than her, I think there were a few more girls doing pretty well and two more days to go. Of course, if all of them could make it, that would be the greatest. But if not, I just hope as many as they can make it to the Q Series will be best.”

ALTOMARE LOOKING FOR BREAKTHROUGH FIRST WIN

In 2018, Brittany Altomare was one of seven players to tie for second at the Buick LPGA Shanghai. Since then, she has been arguably one of the Tour’s steadiest players, earning 24 consecutive made cuts. Since mid-June, her game has grown even more consistent. She comes to the 2019 Buick LPGA Shanghai with 10 straight top-30 finishes, including runner-up showings at the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give and the Volunteers of America Classic, and she went 2-1-1 for Team USA in her first Solheim Cup.

But that breakthrough first win? Altomare admits to growing frustrated with the wait. She wants to win.

“In Texas was the first time I felt really frustrated because I felt like that was the closest I’ve come,” said Altomare. “But you know, it’s all part of it. It’s a good feeling to be in that position. I’d much rather it be that way than the other way. I’m happy where my game is at.”

A return to Shanghai’s Qizhong Garden Golf Club could be just the ticket for Altomare. The Massachusetts native is known for her short game and this course puts a premium on deft play around the greens.

“The greens are pretty complicated. They have a lot of slope to them,” said Altomare. “Your approach shots, you have to hit them into the right sections of the green. Then I think you can score really well. I think it really rewards good shots and then if you hit it all over the place, you’re going to have a really tough time making par. I think that it rewards good iron play and if you make putts on top of that, you’ll shoot some good numbers.”

NOTABLE FIRST-ROUND GROUPINGS

Defending champion Danielle Kang tees off No. 1 at 10:37 a.m., playing with Rolex Rankings No. 1 Jin Young Ko and former No. 1 Shanshan Feng

Jeongeun Lee6, who has clinched 2019 Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year honors, tees off No. 1 at 10:15 a.m., alongside Muni He and Minjee Lee

DESIGNATED HOLE FOR AON RISK REWARD CHALLENGE

The season-long Aon Risk Reward Challenge highlight’s the world’s best professional golfers as they tackle the most strategically challenging holes across both the LPGA Tour and PGA TOUR schedules. The player from each Tour on top of the Aon leaderboard at the end of the regular season will receive a $1 million prize.

Heading into the Buick LPGA Shanghai, Ariya Jutanugarn leads the standings at -0.783, with Carlota Ciganda in second at -0.775 and Hyo Joo Kim in third at -0.733. Jutanugarn had vaulted from third to top spot largely thanks to an eagle on the Challenge hole in the second round of the Volunteers of America Classic two weeks ago.

The designated Aon Risk Reward Challenge hole at the Buick LPGA Shanghai is the 17th. This reachable par 5 sets up as an ideal risk-reward hole. Players can take the conservative route and make it a three-shot approach to the green or can opt for the more aggressive strategy. If a player aims to go for the green in two, the key will be making sure the tee shot hugs the left side where water can come into play but a line that is necessary in order to get the best angle from which to attack the green with the second shot.

The scoring system is identical on both the LPGA Tour and PGA TOUR, and players take their best two scores from each Aon Risk Reward Challenge hole, with the winners having the best average score to par at the end of the season. Players must play a minimum of 40 rounds throughout the season. The Challenge runs across regular season tournaments (29 LPGA Tour; 36 PGA TOUR).

For more information about the Aon Risk Reward Challenge, visit www.lpga.com/statistics/aon-risk-reward-challenge.

HUAYONG JIN NOMINATED FOR LPGA’S AXA LPGA VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

Huayong Jin is the volunteer chairman for the Buick LPGA Shanghai. According to tournament officials, he has led the efforts of recruiting 300 volunteers this year. His favorite player is Chinese star Shanshan Feng, and his favorite part of the tournament is getting to see so many players in person that he usually only sees on TV. The tournament is proud to recognize him as an outstanding volunteer from the Buick LPGA Shanghai for the 2019 AXA LPGA Volunteer Service Award.

The home team despite the absences of several key players including Chanatip Songkrasin produced one of their best forms of the season to stun the 66^th ranked team following two goals from Teerasil Dangda in the 26^th minute and by 18-year-old Ekanit Panya in the 51^st minute. Ali Mabkhout scored the only goal for the Middle Eastern side just a minute before halftime.

Ekanit Panya, right, celebrates after his goal.

With the win, Thailand dominate the group with seven points from three games with better goal difference 4-3 against  Vietnam who came at second despite earning seven points. Vietnam also scored a win on Tuesday, a 3-1 victory against Indonesia.

A delighted Akira Nishino, the national coach, said: “We won because they players worked hard and ran a lot during the game. We were more aggressive than UAE. After a few months, we’ve become more familiar and get used to each other better. (About the next game against Malaysia in November) Let us take a break first and I will tell you about that. I don’t want to look too far ahead as we still have to make an appropriate training programme to suit the players.”

Thailand will next visit Malaysia on November 14 while UAE will visit Vietnam on the same day.

Akira Nishino

The 18-year-old from Bangkok relied on his superior all round game to tame Christo Popov of France 21-8 21-11 in just 36 minutes for his third straight crown which marked him as the first ever boy to achieve so.

She also matched the record of former world No 1 Ratchanok Intanon who also won three World Junior titles in the girls’ singles category between 2009-2010.

“I’m very honoured to match Ratchanok’s record in the juniors, but she is able to do well at the senior level too,” said the Thai teenager who is known for his determination and self-discipline.

“This is my last year in the juniors and there was a lot of pressure on me. I had some good phases in the match and some not-so-good ones, but I was able to control it overall. I just followed my own style. This is another step up for me,” added Kunlavut.

Phittayaporn Chaiwan 

Thailand also had another medallist in the girls’ singles event. Top seed Phittayaporn Chaiwan lost to Riko Gunji if Japan 16-21 19-21 in the Saturday’s semi-finals which earned her a bronze medal for the second year.