PATTAYA: Tseng Yani, Stacy Lewis and Brittany Lang shot six-under-par 66s yesterday to share the first-round lead at the Honda LPGA Thailand.
Tseng Yani of Taiwan is seeking her third win at Siam Country Club. photos by Chanat Katanyu
They were one shot ahead of Thais Ariya Jutanugarn and amateur Budsabakorn Sukapan, Lee Mi-Rim, Suzann Pettersen, Lizette Salas and Amy Yang.
Taiwan's Tseng, who is seeking her third title in Pattaya after wins in 2011 and 2012, suffered a final-hole bogey but was satisfied with her round.
"I played well today and hit a lot of good shots," said the former top-ranked player.
"I missed a couple of shot putts but I just told myself, smile and let it go."
She has not won since the 2012 Kia Classic success and has slipped to 90th in the world.
However, she believed she was getting back to her form after working with new coach Carl Harmon and new trainer Dave Donatucci.
"I feel I am so happy to work with them. They just keep me relaxed and believe in me," the Taiwanese said.
World No.3 Lewis, who has won 11 titles, got off to a fast start, making the turn at 29 with a first-hole eagle and five birdies.
She was at eight-under after another birdie at the 12th. Unfortunately, she bogeyed the 13th and 18th holes.
"I was pleased coming out today with the ball striking," said the American.
"I do not know if I have ever shot a 29 before. So, it was cool."
Rookie Ariya, who was third at last week's Women's Australian Open, started her round with three birdies in the first four holes.
Although she dropped shots at the fifth and sixth, she bounced back with birdies at the 11th, 13th and 14th.
The 19-year-old, who was runner-up here in 2013, said she was happy with her round as her putting improved.
"I have changed my putter to the one I used two years ago," said Ariya, who lost in a play-off in Bahamas earlier this month.
"I now have confidence in putting."
Ariya blew a two-shot lead at the final hole in 2013 and she admitted the meltdown still haunted her.
"It still haunts me, and shooting par at the 18th hole today was like getting a birdie," she said.
Amateur Budsabakorn, who won gold in the team event and silver in the individual at last year's Asian Games, said she was nervous for the whole day.
"I am so happy. My iron play was great,'' said the 18-year-old.
"I gave myself a lot of birdie chances and my putter worked well."
Moriya Jutanugarn, Ariya's older sister, shot a 70 to share 17th place with the likes of 2013 champion Park In-Bee, Paula Creamer and Feng Shanshan.
Defending champion Anna Nordqvist of Sweden scored a 72 with three birdies and three bogeys.
Americans Michelle Wie and Cheyenne Woods were joint 54th after making 73s while local hopeful Pornanong Phatlum posted a 74.
World No. 28 Pornanong said she was disappointed with her poor putting and may change her putter.
Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn.