Defending champion and world No. 2 Suzann Pettersen shot a four-under-par 68 for a three-stroke lead after the first round of the Sunrise Championship yesterday as she tries to close the gap to Inbee Park atop the LPGA rankings.
The US’ Alison Walshe and Irene Cho were tied for second, with Karine Icher of France and Caroline Hedwall of Sweden, after shooting a one-under 71.
After an early bogey on the par-three second hole, Pettersen ran off six birdies before bogeying the 16th, also a par-three.
The changeable wind direction proved a challenge at the beginning, Pettersen said, adding that she found her form soon enough and fired the shots she needed.
“I feel pretty good with my game,” Pettersen said. “I feel my ball striking is pretty much where I want it to be.”
Taiwan’s Candie Kung led the local charge with a one-over 73.
Local favorite Yani Tseng, the 2011 Sunrise champion and former world No. 1, only managed a disappointing four-over-par 76, while Lexi Thompson of the US shot 74.
“I am a bit disappointed with my performance today,” said Tseng, who finished third in last year’s tourney. “I need to be more committed to my shots.”
Tseng, who shot two birdies and six bogeys, said she did not start well because she was pleasantly surprised by the many fans taking pictures of her and got distracted.
However, the level of local support kept her motivated and the heartwarming experience was the highlight of her first day of play, the 24-year-old said.
Shih Huei-ju was level with her compatriot Tseng on 76, while Tseng Hsiu-feng shot a five-over 77.
The other Taiwanese players were Cheng Ssu-chia (78), Hung Jo-hua and Wu Yi-ching (both on 79), Lu Ya-huei (80), Chen Yu-ju (81) and Liu Yi-chen (82).
Even with a victory in Taiwan, Pettersen cannot overhaul Park atop the rankings this week. However, a good result by her would set up a tight finish to the LPGA season, with two tournaments still to come.
Park is not playing in the Sunrise event.
A total of 78 players are competing in the US$2 million tournament at the Sunrise Golf and Country Club in Taoyuan County, northern Taiwan.
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