TAIPEI: Park Inbee shot a 10-under 62 yesterday to open a three-stroke lead in the LPGA Taiwan Championship, her first event since regaining the No 1 ranking on Monday.
The South Korean star played the first eight holes in six under — making an eagle, five birdies and a bogey — and birdied four of the first six holes on the back nine.
She had an 18-under 126 total at Miramar.
Inbee won the LPGA Championship in August for her second victory of the year and fifth major title.
Last year, she swept the first three majors and won six times.
China’s Feng Shanshan was second after a 65 yesterday.
South Korea’s Mirim Lee also shot a 62 to join third-ranked Lydia Ko, Azahara Munoz and Line Vedel at 10 under.
Mirim won the Reignwood LPGA Classic on Oct 5 in China for her second victory of the year.
Lydia had a 65. The 17-year-old New Zealander won the Swinging Skirts World Ladies Masters last December at Miramar.
Azahara, from Spain, had a 66. Line, from Denmark, shot 68.
Second-ranked Stacy Lewis was nine under after a 68.
Norway’s Suzann Pettersen, the winner the last two years at Sunrise, was seven under after a 71.
Michelle Wie followed her opening 68 with a 70 to reach six under. AP