‘Confident’ Ko one ahead at Sime Darby
KUALA LUMPUR: Lydia Ko fired a 64 for her best opening round of the year to lead the LPGA Malaysia event at seven under yesterday, and is hoping her best start will lead to her first title of 2017.
The former No.1-ranked Ko is one shot ahead of Su Oh and two ahead of defending champion and two-time winner Feng Shanshan, Madelene Sagstrom and Ji EunHee, who won by six strokes in Taiwan last week for her first LPGA Tour title since 2009.
“Today I tried to be positive and as confident as I can,” said Ko, who finished second in Taiwan last week. “I think playing well last week really gave me good momentum going into today.”
Ko opened with a birdie, one of seven in an unblemished round on the par-71, 6,246-yard course at the TPC Kuala Lumpur.
“Made a string of birdies late in my front nine and I was able to keep that momentum going into the back nine,” she said.
Ko has three top-10 finishes since September, and 10 overall this year.
No.6-ranked Feng, who has been runner-up here twice along with her victories in 2014 and 2016, said her ball striking was “super” but she missed some birdie chances.
“I think that means maybe I can still make more over the weekend,” she said, “I think it’s a good start.”
Thailand’s world No.25 Moriya Jutanugarn, in her first tournament after a twoweek break, was tied eighth after an opening three-under 68, while her younger sister and No.7 Ariya shot a 72 for a joint 41st. Compatriot Pornanong Phatlum shared 20th place after a 70.