Kim Takes Early Lead at HSBC Women’s World Championship as World No. 1 Thitikul Struggles
American Auston Kim shot a 6-under 66 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore. Kim’s strong opening puts her ahead of China’s Yan Liu, while top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul struggled to a 1-over 73.
Thitikul, fresh off a victory in her native Thailand last week, finds herself seven shots behind the leader at Sentosa Golf Club’s Tanjong course. It’s a surprising setback for the world No. 1, who’s joined by eight other top-10 players in the field.
Kim finished strong, birdieing two of her final three holes to edge ahead of Liu. Five players sit two shots back at 4-under 68, including No. 12-ranked Haeran Ryu.
What a difference a year makes for Kim. She reflected on her transformation since last year’s tournament, where she opened with a 78.
“When I think about my game and myself as a golfer since last year… I mean it obviously feels great to score well. But I just feel like I can handle things a lot better and I’ve been talking with my mental coach,” Kim said. “There are a lot of things that I’ve changed and a lot of things I feel like I’m doing better. Today was a testament to what we’ve been working on.”
Defending champion Lydia Ko posted a solid 2-under 70, matching Canadian star Brooke Henderson.
Several top-ranked players joined Thitikul in their struggles to tame the Tanjong course. World No. 3 Charley Hull and No. 4 Minjee Lee both carded even-par 72s, putting them six shots off the pace.
The only top-10 player missing from the field is world No. 2 Nelly Korda. This tournament marks the second stop of the LPGA’s early-season Asian swing, which concludes next week at Hainan Island, China.
