Jennifer Song shot a first round score of seven under-par 65 to take a two-shot lead over Michelle Wie and Eun-Hee Ji in round one of the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore.

Wie said, “I felt like I placed myself in a good position today, so hopefully the next three days, make my birdies. I three-putted twice today, so no more of that.” Reflecting on a similarly strong start last year before tailing off in the last round, she added, “Well, it's a new year. I think that I have a lot of great experiences, a lot of good memories from last year and try to build upon it and learn from it.”

Thai amateur Atthaya Thitikul made an impressive tournament debut, carding two under- par 70 alongside the likes of World No.1 Shanshan Feng, Cristie Kerr and 2016 winner Ha Na Jang. After a rocky start which saw her bogey the second and double-bogey the fourth, Thitikul soon found the kind of composure that saw her win last week’s Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship and secure her berth in the tournament.

Making five birdies over six holes around the turn, and finishing with another birdie on the 18th, the 15-year-old golf prodigy showed just what a talent she is.

Thitikul said, “Yeah, I had a lot of confidence today because winning last week on this golf course, gave me more confidence. I was a bit nervous but had a lot fun. I feel really good. But it's all an experience and I have fun on the golf course.”

Text from  www.rococommunications.com

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