Hataoka and Yang tied on top
SHANGHAI: Nasa Hataoka was the final golfer to tee off yesterday, but she saved the best for last with three late birdies to surge into a tie with Amy Yang on day one of the Buick LPGA Shanghai.
The Japanese world No.4 was three shots off the South Korean’s pace but birdied three of the final six holes en route to a five-under par 67 at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club.
Jessica Korda’s six birdies were tempered by a pair of bogeys that left her tied for third with fellow American Angel Yin in the US$2.1 million tournament, which is in its second year.
World No.6 Brooke Henderson of Canada hammered in an eagle on the 17th to finish at three-under 69 along with several others, including last year’s winner Danielle Kang of the USA.
But the world’s top-ranked woman golfer, Ko Jin-Young of South Korea, will need to regroup for the second round.
Ko has won two of the last four tournaments she has played and is a two-time Major winner this year, but she failed to find a rhythm yesterday in Shanghai, enduring four bogeys to finish five strokes back at even par.
New Zealand’s former world No.1 Lydia Ko looked strong at times with six birdies, but three bogeys spoiled her card.
Still, Ko finished the first round within range of the leaders at 69.
Thailand’s Pajaree Anannarukarn was the best Thai after the first round after shooting a 70 for tied 12th.
Jutanugarn sisters Ariya and Moriya started with matching 73s and were in a group at tied 37th.