Bangkok: Royal Lytham and St Annes: World No. 2 Atthaya Thitikul has taken an early lead in the AIG Women's Open, delivering a flawless performance in the first round with a 7-under-par 64 at the Royal Lytham and St Annes course in England. Thitikul's impressive round included seven birdies and no bogeys, setting her two strokes ahead of competitors Haeran Yoo from South Korea and Shio Kuwai from Japan.
According to Thai News Agency, the AIG Women's Open marks the final major of the year and is being held for the 50th time, offering a total prize fund of US$10 million. The tournament, which spans from July 31st to August 3rd, features 144 golfers from 30 countries, including seven players from Thailand. Thitikul, along with fellow Thai golfers Ariya Jutanugarn, Pajaree Anannarukan, Papangkorn Dhakadhanakit, Chanettee Wannasen, Apichaya Yubol, and Anchisa Utama, is competing in this prestigious event.
Thitikul, who is seeking her first major championship win, expressed her satisfaction with her performance. She highlighted the challenges of the course, particularly avoiding bunkers with tee shots, and remarked on her fortune with certain shots. Reflecting on her return to competition after a two-week break, Thitikul shared her excitement and noted her positive energy and good mood, attributing these to her strong performance. Despite leading the first round, she remains cautious about the competition ahead, acknowledging that the tournament is still in its early stages.
In other performances, Chanettee Wannasan impressed with a 3-under-par 68, placing her in a tie for 6th with Japan's Chizzie Iwai. English golfers Lottie Woade and Charley Hull, ranked 5th and 7th in the world respectively, finished with a 2-under-par 69, tying for 8th place. Last year's champion, Miyu Yamashita from Japan, shot a 1-over-par 72, landing her in a tie for 37th. World No. 1 Nelly Korda from the United States had a challenging start, finishing the round with a 2-over-par 73, tying for 53rd.
Among the other Thai players, Apichaya Yubol scored 1-under-par 70, tying for 17th place. Meanwhile, Papangkorn Dhakasathanakit, Pajaree Anannarukan, Anchisa Utama, and former 2016 tournament champion Ariya Jutanugarn each finished with a 2-over-par 73, joining Korda in a tie for 53rd.