Shanghai, Oct 9 (AP) Arpichaya Yubol delivered a flawless 8-under 64 to claim the solo lead after round one of the LPGA's Shanghai tournament.
The Thai golfer exhibited precision with four birdies on both the front and back nines at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club.
Meanwhile, Minjee Lee, fresh off her triumph at June's Women's PGA Championship and a three-time major winner, was just one stroke back, part of a formidable group of five other golfers, including Jenny Shin, Jenny Bae, Jeeno Thitikul, and Ina Yoon, all carding 65s.
Lee spoke about tackling the challenging greens, affected by the intense heat and humidity of Shanghai, using her broomstick-style putter. "With how the greens are, the conditions, I managed pretty well to make, what, seven birdies—it was a nice day for me," the Australian noted.
Ashleigh Buhai, known for her 2022 Women's British Open success, ended the day with a 68, while defending champion Ruoning Yin recorded a 71.
This Shanghai event marks the beginning of the LPGA's Asian tour, encompassing five tournaments. Players will move on to South Korea for two weeks, which includes the International Crown team event, as well as competitions in Malaysia and Japan.
Last week, Youmin Hwang extended an extraordinary streak with the LPGA producing a new winner in each of the 25 official tournaments this year, and becoming the sixth South Korean victor on the LPGA circuit in 2023.
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