SHANGHAI, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's Choi Hye-jin fired a bogey-free 8-under 64 to take the outright lead after the opening round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai on Thursday, while China's Yin Ruoning finished four shots back in a tie for third.
Choi made a flying start at Sheshan International Golf Club, birdieing the opening hole before adding three more birdies on the front nine. She maintained her momentum after the turn with another four birdies to complete a flawless round.
"The course is long, and it's quite challenging. A lot of my long putts went in today, which was key to my good score," Choi said.
"Over the next three rounds, I'll try to maintain this form and stick to my game plan."
Now in her fifth season on the LPGA Tour, Choi is still seeking her first title on the circuit after several near misses.
"I really want to win my first LPGA title, and I'll give it everything I've got. But for now, I just want to focus on my own game and play each round well," she said.
Yin, a former tournament champion, recovered from an uneven front nine to shoot a 4-under 68.
Playing alongside Thailand's world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul, another former winner of the event, Yin made one birdie on the front nine but gave the shot back with a three-putt bogey at the ninth.
The Chinese responded with five birdies and one bogey on the back nine to move into a tie for third.
"I ended up the ninth hole by taking three putts, so I was a bit angry with myself," Yin said.
She credited a crucial putt on the 17th with restoring her confidence heading into the final hole.
"I made that putt with a lot of conviction, and it gave me a great deal of confidence. Because I made the putt on the 17th, I was able to make the one on the 18th."
The tournament is being staged at Sheshan International Golf Club for the first time. The venue has previously hosted major men's events, including the WGC-HSBC Champions.
Yin admitted she had been surprised by Choi's low opening score on the demanding layout.
"I couldn't imagine anyone shooting eight under here. Now that someone has done it, I know it's achievable. I'll aim to chase that score tomorrow," she said.
"My strategy will remain the same, but I need to be more attentive and decisive with my putting."
Thitikul also pointed to the course's length as a significant challenge for the field.
"This is a long course, and it probably suits the men's game better. But the challenge is the same for everyone, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens over the next three days," she said. ■
