Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul, the world number two, has seized a two-shot lead after the first round of the AIG Women's Open, carding a spectacular seven-under 64 at Royal Lytham & St Anne's. The 23-year-old, who has 11 top-10 finishes in majors but no wins, played a faultless round with seven birdies.
South Korea's Haeran Ryu and Japan's Shiho Kuwaki are hot on her heels, both sitting at five under par. Ryu, 25, is aiming for her third major victory this calendar year, having claimed two earlier this month.
Home hopes are led by England's Lottie Woad and Charley Hull, both finishing the day on two under. Woad, 22, had a bogey-free round of 69, while Hull, a five-time major runner-up, sank six birdies despite four bogeys.
World number one Nelly Korda is off the pace after a two-over-par 73, which included four bogeys. Last year's Open champion Miyu Yamashita shot one-over-par.