BANGKOK: American Stacy Lewis stormed to a three-shot lead in a near-flawless first round at the Honda LPGA Thailand yesterday, while world number one Tseng Yani endured a horror start to her title defence.
Third-ranked Lewis blistered to the top of the leaderboard with a nine-under 63, lit up by an eagle and eight birdies -- including a hat-trick on holes 5, 6 and 7. She dropped just one shot on her way back to the clubhouse.
The American, who is using a new driver this year, tied her personal best score and the tournament record at the Pattaya Siam Country Club.
She leads second-placed Karine Icher of France, who notched six birdies without dropping a shot in her six-under 66, with Scottish veteran Catriona Matthew leading a clutch of players a shot back at five-under.
But the round belonged to Lewis, who said a “great day” was set in motion by her eagle on the third hole.
“I don’t know, that shot just really gave me the confidence to really start swinging at it,” the elated American said, while talking to reporters.
“I think I missed two greens all day. I just had a ton of birdie putts and I even left a few out there. The fact that it could be lower -- I’m not complaining -- but it was just a great day.”AFP
