Choi takes early lead at Buick LPGA Shanghai, China's Yin tied for third

Republic of Korea's Choi Hye-jin fired a bogey-free 8-under 64 to take the outright lead following the opening round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai on Thursday. China's Yin Ruoning finished four shots back in a tie for third.

Choi made a flying start at the Sheshan International Golf Club, birdieing the opening hole before adding three more birdies on the front nine. She maintained her momentum after the turn with another four birdies to complete a flawless round.

Now in her fifth season on the LPGA Tour, Choi is still seeking her first title on the circuit after several near misses. "I really want to win my first LPGA title, and I'll give it everything I've got. But for now, I just want to focus on my own game and play each round well," she said.

Yin, a former tournament champion, recovered from an uneven front nine to shoot a 4-under 68.

Playing alongside Thailand's world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul, another former winner of the event, Yin made one birdie on the front nine but gave the shot back with a three-putt bogey at the ninth.

The Chinese responded with five birdies and one bogey on the back nine to move into a tie for third. "I ended up the ninth hole by taking three putts, so I was a bit angry with myself," Yin said.

She credited a crucial putt on the 17th with restoring her confidence heading into the final hole. "I made that putt with a lot of conviction, and it gave me a great deal of confidence. Because I made the putt on the 17th, I was able to make the one on the 18th."

The tournament is being staged at the Sheshan International Golf Club for the first time. The venue has previously hosted major men's events, including the WGC-HSBC Champions which has not been held since 2019.