Thompson sets the COURSE ON FIRE

The world No 4 handed in a unblemished scorecard decorated with two eagles on the opening and seventh holes and four birdies to steal the limelight amid humid conditions at the par-72. 6,548-yard layout.

 

“Two eagles definitely helps. We couldn't have asked for better conditions, weather and golf course-wise, so just happy to be out here,” added the 21-year-old American, whose best effort was a tied fifth in 2014. She hopes to become the first American champion in the event, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

 

“It’s obviously three days away, but just to be a part of the past champions, those big names, would be a huge honour, and just to be the first American to win a tournament like this, it's one of my favorites, so it would be very special,” said the six-time LPGA winner, who has never finished outside the top 25 in her four previous visits to the beach city.

 

“My goal tomorrow is the same as today. Going into tomorrow with a positive attitude, focus on doing my routine and committing to my shot,” said the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship winner, Baek, winner of the 2014 Hana Bank Open in Korea played the round without an error, rolling in five birdies and an eagle on the second hole to trail Thompson by a stroke with a 65.

 

Last year’s winner Amy Yang of South Korea launched her title defence in style, opening with an error-free 66 to take the third position. “A lot of things went really well today, but especially my short game and putting was solid. You know, it's always good to have a bogey-free round, and I'm happy to start with a good round,” said the world No 12.

 

At joint fourth were Azahara Munoz of Spain and Jenny Shin of South Korea, both after a 68. A total of eight players, including 2014 

champion Anna Nordqvist and Paula Creamer, were at joint sixth.

 

Thai No 2 Ariya Jutanugarn sank three straight birdies from hole three to five but was pushed back to even par with three bogeys on the seventh, eighth and 16th holes. She bounced back to fire a birdie on the 17th before finishing with a 71, the best score by local challengers.

 

“I was putting very well on the front-nine but that it was a different story at the back. But I’m more confident with my driver compared to the two previous tournaments. I need to fix my putting and try not to think that I’m competing with anyone but myself,” said Ariya, who appeared tense throughout the entire round, fearing that she would be docked with a two-stroke penalty after showing up at the first hole a few seconds late.

 

She felt relieved in the scoring room when Stacy Lewis and Charley Hull, her fellow group players, confirmed that she appeared within the stated time.

 

Sixteen-year-old amateur Paphangkorn Tavatanakit scored two birdies on the back nine from where she started but let her chances slip through the fingers with a double bogey on the 17th. She settled for an even par score to be tied 27th alongside Thai No 1 Pornanong Phatlum 

and Budsabakorn Sukapan.

 

“I made birdies when the chances of it were slim and hit that double bogey when I shouldn’t have. But overall I’m quite happy with my form 

as I played much better and felt stronger than last year. I just need to work more on my putts going into the next round,” said the youngest player in the field.