Nasa Hataoka and Chanettee Wannasaen share the lead at LPGA Thailand.
CHONBURI, Thailand — Nasa Hataoka recorded a 7-under 65 on Thursday at the Siam Country Club Old Course, placing her in a tie for the lead with Thailand’s Chanettee Wannasaen after the first round of the LPGA Thailand, the initial event in a series of three tournaments in Asia over consecutive weeks.
Hataoka, who finished as the runner-up at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open, has claimed five individual LPGA titles and has also won the International Crown team event on two occasions.
“I believe my tee shots and iron play were quite strong today, which allowed me to generate numerous birdie opportunities,” remarked the 27-year-old Hataoka.
Gemma Dryburgh, who began her round with an eagle followed by three birdies, finished one stroke behind with a score of 66, tying with Somi Lee and Hye-Jin Choi.
Top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul and Lydia Ko both carded 67s, joining a group of 10 players tied for sixth place. Defending champion Angel Yin posted a score of 69.
Thitikul, 22, first participated in her home LPGA tournament in Thailand at the age of 14.
“I can’t believe how quickly time has passed,” she stated. “Just yesterday, I was sitting on the couch in the hotel room, and I couldn’t fathom how far I’ve come from being 14 to where I am now.”
Nelly Korda, who secured her first victory in 14 months at the LPGA’s season-opening Tournament of Champions, is absent from Thailand and will also miss the next two tournament locations in Singapore and China; she is opting out of the early Asia swing for the third consecutive year.
