Jeeno Thitikul, the 23-year-old from Thailand, has set the pace at the AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes, carding a flawless seven-under 64 in the first round. Thitikul, a former world No 1, is still seeking her first major title.
British hopes are being carried by Lottie Woad and Charley Hull. Woad, 22, from Surrey, delivered a bogey-free, two-under-par 69, which included a birdie on the sixth and a significant putt for a two on the 12th. Hull, 30, from Kettering, also finished the round at two-under-par, despite a brief move to three under before a bunker shot on the 16th.
Ryu Hae Ran is two shots back after a five-under 66, and is aiming for a third consecutive major title this year. Japan's Shiho Kuwaki is also tied for second on five under. World No 1 Nelly Korda, who is also looking for a third major win this year, recorded a 73.