Jutanugarn sisters find the going tough in Bahamas Classic
>> BAHAMAS: Thai sisters Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn got off to poor starts in the season-opening Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic on Thursday.
World No.22 Moriya shot a twoover-par 75 while younger sister Ariya, ranked eighth in the world, hit a 76.
Moriya, 23, is seeking her breakthrough title on the LPGA Tour, while Ariya, 22, has won seven tournaments.
Compatriot Wichanee Meechai was the best Thai performer in the opening round with a 72, two shots better than Pornanong Phatlum.
Canadian Brooke Henderson carded four birdies in a seven-hole stretch to charge one clear atop the leaderboard before the first round play was halted due to darkness.
Playing the back nine first on a blustery day, Henderson got her round off to a flying start with a birdie at the 11th.
The 20-year-old Canadian then roared through the turn with another birdie at 18 and three more on the way home for a bogey-free 68.
“My hat felt like it was falling off all the time, and it was just hard to have good balance over the putt for that long and have a good stroke on it,” Henderson said.
“But I think by Sunday we will all be pretty good wind players.”
LPGA rookie Luna Sobron Galmes of Spain and Australian Sarah Jane Smith were one shot behind Henderson.
Chinese world No.1 Feng Shanshan headlined a pack of six golfers sitting one stroke further adrift on 70. American Brittany Lincicome, who won last year’s event in a play-off over Lexi Thompson, opened with a 74 to sit six off the pace.
Play was suspended due t o darkness with 12 players still on course. BANGKOK POST/REUTERS