SHANGHAI: World No.2 Ariya Jutanugarn shot a blemish-free 66 Thursday to take the first-round lead in the inaugural Buick LPGA Shanghai tournament.
The Bangkok golfer, who took the US Women's Open crown earlier this year and is gunning for her fourth win of the season, birdied holes four through six to start hot and cruise to six under for the day.
"I always have so much fun when I play in Asia," said Ariya, who added her key was "just not to expect anything. Just go out have fun and enjoy everything."
No other Thai was in immediate striking distance of Ariya. Closest was Chaiyaphum's Pornanong Phatlum, who fired a one-under 71 and was tied for 22nd after the first day's play.
Kim Sei-Young of South Korea and Danielle Kang of the United States tied for second after each posted a five-under 67 at the par-72 Qi Zhong Garden Golf Club.
Kang credited her improved play to new coach Butch Harmon.
"We just kind of simplify the game a lot," the American said. "Just trying to calm it down and get back to how I used to play. Just more feel golf. Thinking less mechanics and going with the flow."
Kang tied for third last week at the KEB Hana Bank championship in Incheon, South Korea.
"Today's round went very smooth," Kang said. "Coming off very good momentum after last week, and I've been hitting the ball really well, playing great. I've just been trusting my game and just keep giving myself birdie chances. They kept rolling in."
Co-sanctioned by the US LPGA and the China LPGA, the new Shanghai event becomes just the second official LPGA tournament staged in China.
The event, with a US$2.1 million purse, joins the Blue Bay LPGA, which tees of next month on southern China's Hainan Island.
A pack of six golfers were tied at four-under 68 in Shanghai, including world No.5 Minjee Lee of Australia, Paula Creamer of the United States and New Zealand's Lydia Ko.
Local favourite and former world No.1 Feng Shanshan of China remained within range of the leaders at even par, with world No.1 Park Sung-Hyun of South Korea a stroke further back.