American defending champion Nelly Korda and Hur Mi-jung, a two-time winner this year, yesterday carded six-under-par 66s to share a one-stroke lead at the Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA.
Korda claimed her maiden LPGA victory at last year’s event to join her elder sister, Jessica, as a winner on the circuit, extending a family sporting resume that also boasts a Grand Slam tennis title via father Petr.
“It’s definitely so special,” the 21-year-old said of being the defending champion, after carding three bogeys and seven birdies, as well as an eagle, to top the scoreboard.
Photo: Wang Yi-sung, Taipei Times
“I’m recognized by so many people now and everyone is really rooting for me,” Korda said. “Hopefully, I can get it done, but there’s still a lot of golf to be played.”
South Korea’s Hur managed to stay bogey-free, despite hitting only six of 14 fairways on the rainy and windy first day at the Miramar Golf County Club in New Taipei City.
Fresh from a victory at the Volunteers of America Classic in Texas early last month, Hur won her first title of the year at the Ladies Scottish Open in August to snap a five-year LPGA win drought.
Australia’s Minjee Lee, runner-up to Korda in Taiwan last year, finished third on five-under-par with four birdies in the opening round.
Amateur Hou Yu-sang led the local talent, carding a two-under 70 for a share of 14th. Teresa Lu and amateur An Ho-yu were in a group sharing 29th on even-par 72.
Hsu Wei-ling, Chen Yu-ju and Cheng Ssu-chia finished on one-over 73 for a share of 37th, while Tsai Pei-ying and Chen Hsuan were tied for 50th on two-over 74.
Hsieh Yu-ling was in a group tied for 59th on three-over 75, followed by Lin Tzu-chi a further stroke back in a group sharing 69th.
Jessica Peng Chieh and Kuo Ai-chen carded five-over 77s for a share of 72nd and Chang Ching-ling was tied for 76th a further stroke behind, while amateurs Hsu Huai-chien and Lu Hsin-yu shared 78th on seven-over.
Babe Liu was 80th on eight-over and Lee Hsin was 81st a further stroke back.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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