Sei Young Kim, aiming for her first victory this season, set the pace in the opening round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai tournament with a stellar 10-under 62. The South Korean golfer showcased her skills by carding a remarkable 28 on her first nine holes at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club, highlighted by an eagle on the 17th. Kim continued her strong performance on the back nine, finishing with a 34.
Kim's impressive round marked her lowest score of the year and follows her third-place finish in the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship last month. She currently leads the field as she seeks to secure a win in this tournament.
Following closely behind Kim is Celine Boutier of France, who posted a solid 64, trailing by two shots. American golfer Lucy Li is three strokes back after carding a 65. The competition remains tight, with four players shooting 66 to sit four shots off the lead: Leona Maguire of Ireland, Peiyun Chien of Taiwan, Muni He of China, and Chanettee Wannasaen of Thailand.
Additionally, seven players finished the first round with a score of 67, just five shots behind the leader. Notably absent from this week's tournament are top LPGA players Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko, who are set to compete in the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea next week.
As the Buick LPGA Shanghai tournament progresses, fans can expect fierce competition and exciting performances from the talented field of golfers vying for victory.
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