China's Liu Yan and Zhang Jienalin set the early pace at the Golf Liquor Zhuhai Golden Gulf Challenge on Wednesday as each opened with a five-under 67 to share a one stroke lead after the first round.

Defending champion Du Mohan was one shot back in third after carding a four-under 68 over the Zhuhai Golden Gulf Golf Club. Ren Yue was three strokes back in fourth at the China LPGA Tour event.

Li Jieni, Sun Jiaze and Zhang Junyuan were the top amateurs on 71, tied for equal fifth with Ji Yifan and Yin Ruoning, winner of last week's Zhuhai Hollywood Mansion Challenge.

Playing under sunny but windy conditions, Zhang quickly recovered from a bogey five on the 363-yard opener to post six birdies, including four in a row starting from the 11th hole, in the search for her first CLPGA Tour win.

"I did great today. It was not a very ideal start where I missed the green. I am glad that I had a great attitude after that," said the 23-year-old.

"I didn't know that I made four birdies in a row. I just played my golf one shot at a time and didn't count them," she added.

Liu came out firing with four birdies over the first seven holes. She then ran into trouble with consecutive bogeys starting at the eighth hole to make the turn at two-under 34. After making birdie at the 10th hole, she ended a long run of pars with an eagle three at the 517-yard 17th hole.

"The eagle was great. I hit a great second shot with a three-wood and made it from 15 feet. Tomorrow it might be bad weather [with a storm forecast]. This golf course could become a beast," the 22-year-old said.

Du, who won by two strokes last year for her first pro victory, said she was comfortable chasing the leaders. Her round included six birdies and two bogey which both came on the back nine.

"I hit it solid. My long game improved a lot. At the 15th hole I hit it too good and the ball went into the water. The 17th birdie was most impressive. I had a great up and down. I like my position now," the 18-year-old said.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)