Sacred Hearts Academy freshman Ayaka Kaneko will play in the LPGA Takefuji Classic, today through Saturday at Las Vegas Country Club. Kaneko won a qualifying round earlier this year over two college players to earn the exemption.

Kaneko burst into the bunch of talented young Hawai'i players when she lost a playoff with Mari Chun at last year's Jennie K. Invitational. That was at Mid-Pacific Country Club, Kaneko's home course.

Kaneko's goal this week is to "play my best and make the cut." She's hoping the slick Mid-Pac greens have her prepared for her LPGA debut.

Kaneko is not using Michelle Wie's achievements as inspiration.

"I think she is great," Kaneko said, "but Michelle is Michelle and I am Ayaka. She hits with more accuracy and I still hit short."

Kaneko, at 5 feet 7, is not that short — on or off the course. She comes from an athletic family. Father Katsumi played professional baseball for the Chunichi Dragons in Japan. The family moved to Hawai'i four years ago.

Kaneko is not playing high school golf this year and won't return to the Jennie K next month. She will play in the U.S. Open local qualifier and hopes to qualify for other LPGA events.

Takefuji will be broadcast on The Golf Channel from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day in Hawai'i.

JENNIE K. ENTRIES OPEN

Spots are still open for the Jennie K. Wilson Invitational Tournament, scheduled for May 5 to 7 at the Mid-Pacific Country Club.

Entry forms can be downloaded at www.mpcchi.org.