Lee sets electric pace with opening 62

South Korean Mirim Lee equalled the lowest round in Ricoh Women’s British Open history with a stunning opening 62 to establish a three-shot lead at Woburn.

The 25-year-old birdied three of her first four holes over the Marquess’ Course and rattled off five gains in a row around the turn.

Further birdies at the 14th and 17th completed a 10-underpar first-round total and put Lee comfortably clear of nearest challenger Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand.

China’s Shanshan Feng completed an all-Asian top three with her six-under-par 66.

“It was probably one of my best ever rounds, although I still had some errant shots,” Lee said on the Ladies European Tour website.

“I played every hole in a similar fashion, hitting fairways and greens. My best ever score was an 11 under par in LPGA qualifying.”

England’s Charley Hull birdied the last two holes for a three-under 69 to lie just outside the top 10 on her home course.

Catriona Matthew finished the day as top Scot after a 70.

The winner of the title in 2009 reached the turn at two over par but produced four birdies in the back nine to climb the leaderboard.

World No 1 Lydia Ko and four-time major winner Laura Davies have work to do in order to make the cut after both signed for rounds of 74.

The other Scots in the field, Kylie Walker and Pamela Pretswell, struggled.

Walker carded a 78 with Pretswell a shot further back.

Mirim Lee: five birdies in a row around the turn.