Choi Hye-jin takes solo lead at LPGA Shanghai with 8-under 64

Choi Hye-jin seized a three-shot solo lead after the opening round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai on Thursday.

Playing at Seosan Golf Club (par 72) in Shanghai, Choi carded eight birdies against no bogeys for an 8-under 64. The round left her three strokes clear of Carlota Ciganda of Spain, who shot a 5-under 67.

Choi joined the LPGA Tour in 2022 and has consistently contended near the top of leaderboards, but has yet to claim her first win. Her commanding start Thursday raised hopes that a breakthrough victory may be near.

Starting on the 10th hole, Choi picked up four birdies over her first nine holes. She then made four consecutive birdies from the 2nd through the 5th hole to pull further clear of the field.

In her post-round interview, Choi said her overall condition was not perfect but that she had managed to save par multiple times on the front nine. "After that, long putts started dropping, which helped me put up a good score," she said.

She added that the course can be tricky when the wind picks up, forcing longer approach shots and making it easy to miss greens. "Even in situations where par was hard to save, I got through them with good shots and putts," she said. "I'm very pleased with today's round."

Yin Ruoning of China, Grace Kim of Australia, Takeda Rio of Japan and Chanettee Wannasaen of Thailand were tied for third at 4-under 68.

Yang Hee-young opened with a 3-under 69 to share seventh place alongside world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, the defending champion.

Meanwhile, the race for the Vare Trophy — awarded to the player with the lowest scoring average for the season — took an unexpected turn when Yamashita Miyu of Japan withdrew before her first round began due to illness. Yamashita had been competing for the award against Ryu Hae-ran and Nelly Korda of the United States, who is not in the field this week.

Heading into the tournament, Korda led the scoring average standings at 69.38, with Ryu second at 69.54 and Yamashita third at 69.64. However, Korda, who plans to rest for now, may fall short of the minimum number of rounds required to qualify for the award.