Singapore: Ariya Jutanugarn, the world's 21st-ranked female golfer, started the HSBC Women's World Championship with a 3-under-par 69, placing her in a tie for 8th, three strokes behind Auston Kim of the United States, who leads the field.

According to Thai News Agency, the HSBC Women's World Championship, hosted by the LPGA Tour, is the third golf tournament of the season and is considered Asia's women's major. The tournament is taking place at the Sentosa Golf Club (Tanjong Course) in Singapore from February 26th to March 1st, featuring 72 world-class golfers, including four Thai players: Gino-Attaya Thitikul, May-Ariya Jutanugarn, Meow-Pajaree Anannarukan, and Praw-Chanetee Wannasen.

On the first day of competition, Ariya Jutanugarn recorded four birdies and one bogey, finishing with a 3-under-par 69, tying with Celine Boutier of France and four other players. Austin Kim, the world number 39, led with a score of 6-under-par 66, followed by Yan Liu from China, one stroke behind.

Ariya Jutanugarn, with 12 LPGA titles to her name, is participating in her 11th appearance at this tournament. She noted the challenging conditions, stating, "The course conditions today were quite difficult, harder than in previous years. The wind was stronger than usual." She also expressed her goal for the week: "I just want to have fun. I might not be playing perfectly in every aspect; my irons aren't quite sharp yet."

Austin Kim, after leading the first day, remarked, "I hit many good shots today, and I was able to correct any mistakes. I saved par three times. Mission accomplished today."

Other notable performances included Miyu Yamashita from Japan, who shot a 4-under-par 68 to tie for 3rd place, and Lydia Ko from New Zealand, who shot a 2-under-par 70 to tie for 14th place. Top-ranked Atthaya Thitikul and Chanetti Wannasen struggled, each shooting 1 over par 73, tying for 36th, while Pajaree Anannarukan shot 5 over par 77, tying for 68th.