Ariya grabs lead on home turf

BANGKOK: World No. 2 Ariya Jutanugarn (pic) cruised to a shared lead in the first round of the Honda LPGA Thailand, eyeing a redemptive victory on her home turf.

The smooth bogey-free 66 yesterday came fresh off the 21-year-old’s spectacular 2016 season, which saw her win five LPGA Tour tournaments and a Player of the Year award.

It also sets the young player up for redemption on the course where she suffered a heartbreaking defeat in 2013 after losing her cool in the final round with three bogeys that forced her into second place.

“I feel really good with my iron today,” Ariya told Tour organisers after playing in front of a home crowd at Siam Country Club in Pattaya.

“Especially tee shot is pretty good,” she added.

She shared the top of the leaderboard with the tournament’s 2015 winner Amy Yang, who dropped a shot on the 10th hole but bounced back with a string of birdies to card 66 for six-under.

“In the middle, during the round, you know, I had some time I couldn’t control the ball, but I still had a lot of good shots,” the South Korean said.

Her compatriot, world No. 8 Kim Seiyoung, carded a five-under 67 to clinch a tie for third. — AFP