China’s Liu posts strong start in Shanghai
CHINA’S Liu Wenbo served notice that she is player to watch yesterday when the rookie pro carded a 4-under-par 68 to sit two shots off the lead after the first round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai.
World No. 2 Ariya Jutanugarn set the early pace at the US$2.1 million tournament, a co-sanctioned event between the China LPGA and US LPGA Tours, when the Thai opened with a 6-under 66 at Shanghai Qizhong Garden Golf Club in suburban Minhang District.
American Danielle Kang and South Korean Kim Sei-young were one shot back after 67.
Liu, a 17-year-old from Beijing, was equal fourth in a group that included Americans Ryann O’Toole, Lizette Salas and Paula Creamer, along with Australian Minjee Lee and Lydia Ko, the ex-world No. 1 from New Zealand.
In a bogey-free round that included three birdies over the Shanghai Qizhong front nine, Liu picked up another stroke when she made a four at the 481-yard, par-5 17th hole to soar into contention.
“I am very excited because this is my second time playing in a LPGA Tour (co-sanctioned) event. My father is here this week and that makes me feel safe and comfortable,” said Liu, who recently turned pro after winning the individual silver medal at the Asian Games in Jakarta where she led China to the team bronze.
“My driver was good today. I came here expecting to have a good week. I played the US Women’s Open qualifier here and I was playing with Paula Creamer today. She was my idol growing up.”
Playing in a group with China No. 1 Feng Shanshan and world No. 1 Park Sung-hyun, Ariya quickly got her round going when she reeled off three consecutive birdies starting from the 590-yard, par-5 fourth hole. After picking up another stroke at the ninth hole to make the turn at 4-under, the Bangkok native carded further birdies at holes 12 and 14.
US LPGA Tour regular Liu Yu was the only other Chinese in the top 10 as the Beijing native opened with a 69 to sit three off the pace in a group of eight. Feng (72) stayed within range of the leaders at even par, with Korean Park a shot further back.
The new Shanghai event becomes just the second official LPGA tournament staged in China. It joins the Blue Bay LPGA, which tees off next month on Hainan Island.
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