THAI LPGA together with China LPGA and Australian LPG are joining their hands of tri-sanctioning success for the second year in “PTT Thailand LPGA Masters 2018”, the 6,420 yards Par 72 competition field featured by 114 players from 15 countries which are 35 players of THAI LPGA, 44 players of China LPGA, 20 players of Australian LPG and 15 invitation spots in stroke play format of 54 holes in 3 rounds. There is cut-off after 2 rounds for top 50 and tie to compete in 3^rd round in 21 September. The champion will earn 600,000 Thai Baht as prize money.

Top players who are lining up and getting ready to fight for 4M THB purse money and world ranking points leading by No.1 THAI LPGA Tour OOM – ‘Arpichaya Yubol’ who marked 2^nd season of her professional golfer by 5 back-to-back wins from 4^th-8^th Singha-SAT Thai LPGA Championship 2018 and stepped up to current no.1 of THAI LPGA Tour. She is the hope of the tour to win the title with her top form and remark the record of 6 wins in a season, as well as keeping the trophy in Thailand.

The 16-year-old from Saraburi was the best amateur in Thailand LPGA Masters 2016 as long as other achievements as amateur before turning professional in 2017. She has made the incredible wins in 2018 season and wish to claim the sixth win for this season revealed that, “It’s such an exciting moment to win 5 titles of THAI LPGA Tour in a row.  Playing in “PTT Thailand LPGA Masters 2018” is the second time for me. Of course, I am excited since to play as No. 1 of the tour. There are some hope on me, so I will try to perform my best form and believe that I could finish in Top 10.”

Saranporn Langkulgasettrin

The defending champion ‘Saranporn Langkulgasettrin’ is another Thai player to keep eyes on her. Phuket’s 19-years-old who ranked no.1 of THAI LPGA OOM 2017 is now playing in Thai LPGA, Taiwan LPGA and also China LPGA with 4 wins in 2017 and recently 2 wins in 2018 from EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open and Sun Car Zhangjiagang Shuangshan Classic said about her back to the home soil that, “It is good to come back to play in Thailand, also to defend the title. I will try my best and have fun with my game, not to put any stress into it. I wish that Thai player could win the title to keep this trophy in Thailand and to make them know that Thai girls are second to none.”

China LPGA – the great ladies professional golf tour of China and region, who joined as its second year and has made it as tri-sanctioned tournament, unvealed the entry list of its top players to blossom the field.

‘Li Jiayun’, one of the rising player in China LPGA, is 28 years old from Guangxi, as the former captain of Chinese women’s golf team, led the team won the group silver medal in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games. In 2011, she turned professional player and won championships in Shanghai Classic 2014 and Le Coq Sportif Beijing Ladies Classic 2016. The best result of this season is 5^th of EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open. She stated her return to Thailand that, “I like Thailand and really enjoy Thai food. I’ve waited a whole year to come back here since the last year tournament finishing. Last year I had two good rounds but the final round wasn’t good enough. This year my goal is to have three great score to help me reaching top 10. I just prepare for this tournament focusing on striking the ball well and I think the most important part is short game. I will practice to get used to the green speed and the type of grass when I arrive the course.”

While Australian LPG, the first tour who co-sanctioned the tournament in 2016, has sent ALPG’s players led by ‘Amy Walsh’ to Thailand. Amy said about her return to the course again after her appearance in Thailand Amateur Championship 2014 and also her participating in Ladies European Thailand Championship 2018 that, “It will be a great test of golf with the three tours coming together. I played the course in 2014, so I’m interested to see how different it will play and how far my game has come since then. I expect the competition to be tough as Thai golf is very strong at the moment. Personally, I feel like my game is starting to come together and it will be an enjoyable week. I’ve been in Europe for the last few months which will hopefully have prepared me for this event.”

Arpichaya Yubol

Besides, there are some top players from the 3 tours who came along with championship titles and 1^st runner up as well as rising players who are lining up and joining the field of “PTT Thailand LPGA Masters 2018” such as Thai’s tops – ‘Wanchana Poruangrong’ – champion of 2^ndSingha-SAT Thai LPGA Championship 2018 and current no.2 of THAI LPGA OOM, ‘Supamas Sangchan’ – Sanya Ladies Open 2016 and EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open 2017 champion, together with players from China LPGA and Australian LPG who are travelling to Bangkok during this weekend such as  ‘Sui Xiang’ – Hengqin Phoenix Tree Building Orient Golf Challenge 2018 runner up, ‘Huang Ching’ – Orient Masters Wuhan Challenge 2018 champion, ‘Chen Yu Ju’ – CTBC Ladies Classic 2018 champion and ‘Hanee Song’ – Brisbane Invitational 2018 runner up. The field will be also fulfilled with the remarkable moment as the occasion of 10^th anniversary of THAI LPGA.

The tournament is supported by PTT Public Company Limited, Sports Authority of Thailand and National Sports Development Fund, Singha Sorporation, Panya Indra Golf Club, Thongchai Jaidee Foundation, Betagro and True Visions.

2-day LIVE Broadcasting on Thursday, 20 September (13.30-16.30 hrs.) and Friday, 21 September (11.00-14.30 hrs.) is through True Sport HD 2 of True Visions. Admissions ticket is available at ticket booths at Panya Indra Golf Club during 19-21 September at 100 THB/person (3-day pass) and free entry for spectators under 18 years old and over 60 years old.

The defending champion Thailand, in the morning outclassed Osaka Grampus 5-0 in the first game of the round-robin tournament before they secured the second win by narrowly beating Venforet Kofu 1-0 in the afternoon.

The 12-year-old Atsada, 172 centimetres tall, relied on his physical advantage and personal skills to earn all six points for the Kingdom’s side despite having to compete under a persistent drizzle.

“I’m glad to score six goals in one day but I still have to improve in terms of adjusting to the conditions,” said Atsada from Assumption Thonburi School.

Despite reaching the goal by winning both opening games, national coach Piyapong Pu-on showed some concern about the impact of the weather conditions, which his boys were having difficulty adjusting to.

“They played really well in the morning after the warm-up but they played a bit below par in the afternoon after a break. Some had stiff muscles as they were unable to adapt to this condition. They are usually trained in humid conditions at home,” said Piyapong who viewed that Atsada as having great potential to reach the national team.

“He is in such great physical condition for a boy his age. Along with the talent he has, imagine how far he can go when he’s 18. Under the instruction of a good coach, he could become a great resource for the national team,” Piyapong said.

Thailand will next play Toyota City and Kairiya on Sunday. The team with the best results from the seven games and eight teams will be crowned the winner on Monday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Thai team had a special Japanese fan Toyohiro Ina who comes from Ichi to wave the Thai flag to show support.

‘I love Thai athletes and always go to support them when they come to Japan. I even used to support Thai athletes in the 2013 and 2015 SEA Games in Myanmar and Singapore,” said Ina.

 For multiple-time Muay Thai world champion Singtongnoi Por Telakun, the hardships came early in life.

Growing up in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, he was raised in extreme poverty and experienced the trials and tribulations of going through day-to-day life with very little.

The grim reality became the driving force to dig his family out of the trenches and pursue martial arts in the hopes of a brighter future.

“I would help out around the house to lighten my parents’ workload. After that, I trained hard every single day. It was tiring and torturous, I wanted to quit, but I thought about my future and the people that I love. I couldn’t quit. I had to fight for the people that I love,” he recalled.

Despite the financial obstacles, Singtongnoi still found a way to train and maximize the resources that he had back then.

“I would train at home, kicking an old sack of rice filled with sand. I also trained at the local sala with the other children,” he shared.

The kind of dedication that he exhibited soon became synonymous with the type of work ethic Singtongnoi showcased as an elite athlete.

With determination and dedication, success was something that he would build with his own two hands as Singtongnoi became one of the most popular Muay Thai practitioners in Thailand, winning numerous prestigious titles throughout his celebrated career such as the Lumpinee Muay Thai world championship.

Famous for his relentless style in the ring, Singtongnoi has beaten some of Thailand’s biggest Muay Thai superstars, having 300 professional bouts under his belt.

Things took a turn for the worse when his Muay Thai career came to an end, and he had to go back to selling goat milk to make ends meet.

Fortunately, Singtongnoi received an offer to join the Evolve MMA in Singapore as an instructor, and since then, he had been able to support his family.

Just when things started to look promising in the life of Singtongnoi, a devastating news came his way, revealing that he was diagnosed with stage three cancer.

“I was stunned and I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I started to cry. I was in disbelief. I thought I was going to die for sure.”

“The cancerous tumor was about two centimeters long. It went through my whole nasal cavity, all the way down to the lymph nodes in my neck,” Singtongnoi described.

Singtongnoi had to undergo several medical procedures in Singapore to treat his severe condition.

“After undergoing the radiation therapy and chemotherapy, my throat hurt and I had burns from the radiation all over my neck. It was hard for me to walk and all I wanted to do was throw up,” he bared.

With his teammates, friends and family by his side, Singtongnoi persevered through all the bleak thoughts and negative feelings with every fiber of his being.

Receiving the best treatment possible, it all paid off months later when the doctor told him that he is cancer-free.

“I was ecstatic,” he recollected. “I could once again see a bright future for myself and my family.”

Through this battle against cancer, Singtongnoi learned that life is valuable and should not be taken for granted.

“It’s important to love yourself and take care of your loved ones, as you don’t know when you’ll die,” he mused.

After overcoming the life-threatening illness, Muay Thai was out of the question going forward for Singtongnoi.

However, Singtongnoi valued his second shot at life, awakening his willpower to not only make a full physical recovery but to get back to the sport that he loved.

Making his ONE Super Series debut this past May, Singtongnoi authored a spectacular performance to the delight of the crowd, outclassing WBC Muay Thai Super Bantamweight World Champion Joseph Lasiri.

Despite the long layoff, Singtongnoi appeared that he did not miss a beat, dropping Lasiri twice in the first round and consistently connecting his signature sharp combinations.

In the second round, Singtongnoi unleashed a torrent of impactful strikes, coercing the referee to step in and call a halt to the contest.

The 38-year-old Thai kickboxer returns to action on the undercard of ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES in Bangkok, Thailand on 6 October, squaring off with Japan’s Kudo Masahide.

According to Singtongnoi, to become a true martial artist, he believes that he must continue fighting for the people he loves.

“I believe a great martial artist is someone who knows his responsibilities – someone who is disciplined, and can stick to a schedule and work hard,” he stressed.

“Throughout my career, it has always been my family that drove me and inspired me. They still do. Doing my best to give them a bright future is what has motivated me from the start,” Singtongnoi added.

Singtongnoi asserted that he does not need any more motivation to capture a victory because all he has to do is reflect on his rough experience two years ago and think about his beloved family back home.

“I will fight for my future the best way I know how. And come 6th of October in Bangkok, I will take on a talented competitor and win,” he guaranteed.

The host team lost the first rubber after  Thai No 1 Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul was forced to retire from the match against Hady Habib with a cramp on his left thigh. The Thai ace decided to call it a day after he was trailing 6-4 6-7 (2-7) 3-5.

Then Thai No 2 Palaphhom Kovapitakted lost the second rubber to Benjamin Hassan 4-6 4-6. Thailand cannot afford to lose the last three matches as Lebanon will be promoted to Group I next year if they win one of the Sunday’s rubbers.

The first golfer from Puerto Rica to play on the US LPGA Tour, and the first to compete in a women’s major, Torres couldn’t stop smiling after a 69 despite a disheartening bogey, bogey opening.

The 23-year-old was joined at the top by South Korea’s Lee Mi-hyang and two Americans, Amy Olson, who is still awaiting her first win after five years as a professional, and Mo Martin, the 2014 women’s British Open champion.

Olson shot 65, while Martin and Lee both had 66 to make it into a tie at the top on eight under par 134.

The quartet led by one from Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, who added a 70 to her opening 65. The round of the day was a 64 from Angela Stanford – she was in the next group on six under.

Setting out in the rain, and starting at the tenth, the rookie Torres dropped shots on her two opening holes, but a three at the par four 12th settled the nerves and more birdies followed at the 14th, 16th and seventh.

“It wasn’t the best start,” she admitted. “But then I thought ‘OK. We can handle this and there are still 16 holes to play’ and I got on a roll again with the first birdie.

“It is so awesome just to be here and I keep learning every day. Opportunity – that’s the word to sum up my position going into the weekend.”

Torres, a bubbly character, was a little girl keen on horses. But a golf range close to her home in San Juan attracted her attention. She went along, and soon began to dream of becoming a professional..

“I started playing when I was about seven and, from then on, I gave up riding and always wanted to become a golfer,” she added.

She earned her place on the LPGA Tour via a play-off at final qualifying school last year – and had her first top ten at the recent Canadian Open.

This is just her second major – she missed the cut at the lPGA Championship in June.

Olson had her best finish of the season in the opening major,  a tie for ninth at the ANA Inspiration in March.

“I love the majors,” said the qualified accountant whose  brother Nathan, was her caddie.

“I love it when the courses are tough and par is a great score. Today I putted really well.”

The 26-year-old saved her most important putt for the 18th – holing an 18 footer for par and the share of the lead.

“That was huge,” she admitted. “I had a horrible lie for my chip and wan’t expecting it to go in.”

Lee who started at the tenth, had an even better finish, making eagle at the long ninth, while Martin also ended her round in style, holing a long putt for birdie at the same hole.

Anna Nordqvist, the defending champion, had a 70 for one under par, but world no.1 Park Sung-hyun couldn’t recover from her opening 77 and missed the cut by three shots after a 71.

Host Thailands will have to lean heavily on No 1 Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul and the Ratiwatana twins when they meet Lebanon this weekend in the Davis Cup Zonal Group 2 final round tie at the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) complex.

With the LTAT’s policy of building for the future by fielding the young and inexperienced Palaphoom Kovapitukted as singles No 2 and Kasidit Samrej, as a reserve, Wishaya must win both his rubbers and the doubles team of Sonchat and Sanchai must win their one rubber to seal promotion to the Asia/Oceania region’s Group I next year.

Weerapat Doakmaiklee , left, poses with his Davis Cup players.

However, this will be anything but straightforward for the Kingdom as Lebanon, who were promoted from Group 3 to 2 this year, have two imported players, the 370th-ranked and Germany-based Benjamin Hassan and world No 643 Hady Habib, who lives in the US.

It would be a Herculean task for 18-year-old Palaphoom to win either of his singles rubbers, so Thailand cannot afford any slip-ups by the three main players if they wish to return to Group I for the first time since 2015.

Thai captain Weerapat Doakmaiklee admits he does not expect Palaphoom to earn a single point a point but needs him to make Hassan and Habib stay on court as long as possible.

“The more hours they spend on court, the more advantage we will have,” said Weerapat, who is captaining the side for the first time in a group stage final.

“If Lebanon have to use Hassan and Habib as the doubles on Sunday, they will have limited time to rest before the fourth and fifth rubbers.”

Wishaya faces Habib and Palaphoom takes on Hassan in Saturday’s first two rubbers.

Labanese team pose for a photographer.

While Thailand has no intention of changing Sonchat and Sanchai as the doubles pairing, Lebanon may need to use its top singles players for the doubles if the tie is at 1-1 after day one and the doubles takes on extra significance.

As it stands, Giovani Samaha and Michel Saade, Lebanon’s original doubles nominees, should not pose much of a threat to the two-time ATP doubles winners Sonchat and Sanchai.

The tie will end with the clashes between Wishaya and Hassan, followed by the final rubber between Palaphoom and Habib.

In terms of the singles, Weerapat is confident Wishaya can win both his rubbers, thanks largely to his big serves and aggressive groundstrokes.

“Wishaya has become more mature now and he just came back from two match points down to win his second ITF title last week. It shows that he is mentally tougher,” said Weerapat.

“In my view Hassan is solid but he doesn’t hit big. Habib, on the other hand, has a powerful game but is less consistent. So I’m quite confident we can secure three points.”

Thailand last appeared in Group 1 in 2015 but lost to South Korea in round one before going down to China in the playoff to be relegated to group 2 in the same year.

Thailand has reached the playoff final in both years since, losing in 2016 to Taiwan and in 2017 to Pakistan.

Reigning ONE Middleweight World Champion “The Burmese Python” will defend his title against Mohammad Karaki.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “ONE Championship returns to Yangon this October with another blockbuster evening of world-class martial arts! Everytime we visit Yangon, it’s always a spectacle. Aung La N Sang is a two-division titleholder and an absolute phenom, beloved by his people for his immense skill in the martial arts arena, and his ability to unite everyone whenever he performs. He embodies the true values of martial arts and is a tremendous champion with a big heart. Aung La N Sang is in for another tough test, however, as Lebanon’s Mohammad Karaki is no doubt a worthy challenger to the middleweight throne. It’s going to be absolutely electric at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium once again!”

Aung La N Sang is Myanmar’s most successful athlete in history, whose impressive submission skills has earned him the moniker of ”The Burmese Python”. Born in Myitkyina in the mountainous Kachin State, he belongs to an ethnic minority known as the Kachin. Aung La N Sang captured the ONE Middleweight World Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Vitaly Bigdash in June of 2017. In February 2018, he defeated Brazil’s Alexandre Machado to be crowned the ONE Light Heavyweight World Champion. Next up, the 33-year-old is set to defend his middleweight title against Mohammad Karaki.

Undefeated Lebanese mixed martial arts star Mohammad “O Lutador” Karaki is a 27-year-old middleweight with an unblemished professional record of 9-0. The Phoenix Middleweight Champion, Karaki is considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists from the middle east. He also formerly held the Desert Force light heavyweight and middleweight titles. Of his nine victories, only one bout reached the final bell. With five submissions and three captivating knockouts to his name, Karaki is a feared finisher who is expected to bring the firepower when he meets “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang for the ONE Middleweight World Championship.

With rain being expected for the next two days at this city, in Japan’s central region,  the defending champions will have to quickly get used to slippery conditions if they wish to complete a hat-trick of wins.

The 24-player Thai squad defied the rain on Friday as national coach Piyapong Pu-put them through a full training session in order to get them familiar with the atmosphere.

“I had to see how they adjusted to this wet pitch and to figure a game plan under this circumstance,” said Piyapong, who has spearheaded the youngsters to both their triumphs over the past two years.

“The weather won’t be a problem as all teams have to cope with it too.”

What is of more concern to the former national striker, however, is the quality of the opposition this year, with Thailand’s rivals all having improved their squads.

“Nagoya Grampus will try to make amends after they lost to us last year while Takaishi Chuo [Osaka] has selected much better players,” added Piyapong, who admitted some concern at how the boys will handle the pressure of representing the country for the first time at international level.

“Vietnam will also come well prepared as they surely don’t want to lose to us again.

“The first game against Nagoya will show how they cope with their nerves. If they can play to their true level, they should be fine. I have no plan to go home without retaining the title.”

A total of eight teams – one from Thailand, one from Vietnam and six from Japan – are competing in the round-robin format from Saturday to Monday, with each game consisting of two sessions of 15 minutes each.

Also competing in the tournament are Kariya City, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture and Ventforet Kofu.

After Thailand’s opening two matches on Saturday, against Nagoya and then with Wentforet, the boys then play  Toyota City and Kariya on Sunday, finishing with three final games against Aichi, Takaishi and Vietnam on Monday.

MELBOURNE – Thailand’s top golfer Kiradech Aphibarnrat has given the country a huge boost by confirming his availability for the Melbourne World Cup of Golf in November.

The world No 37 was one of the first 28 players to be announced by tournament officials yesterday. It will be his fourth appearance in the event.

The biennial World Cup of Golf sees 56 players competing at Melbourne’s Metropolitan Golf Club from November 22 to 25 for US$7 million, the largest prizemoney in Australian golf.

Kiradech, an 11-time international winner, said: “It’s always a pleasure to wear the Thai flag and play on behalf of our country. To play for the national team is fantastic and it means a lot to me.

“I haven’t played at The Metropolitan previously but Melbourne courses are always fantastic. There are not many other events where you can partner with another Thai player, so it’ll also be good fun.

“I love playing in team events and you won’t feel lonely on the golf course. When you’re under pressure, you’ve got your partner to bring you up and when you succeed, you win together. Melbourne is also a great place to visit.”

In 2016, Kiradech tied for 19th with Thongchai Jaidee at six-under, and in 2013, he finished ninth with Prayad Marksaeng. In 2011, again with Thongchai, he tied for 13-under to finish T18.

His best performance by far came in the 2013 individual competition, where he opened with a 71 and then fired three consecutive 70s to tie for fifth, seven shots behind local winner Jason Day.

Thailand is no stranger to the World Cup of Golf, having first competed in its inaugural event, in Japan, in 1957, when brothers Manob Dabphavibul and Uthai Dabphavibul were in the Thai team.

This year marks Thailand’s 20th World Cup appearance, with its tie for fourth in 1969, when the Kingdom was represented in Singapore, by Sukree Onsham and Suchin Suwanapong, in Singapore, still the country’s best performance.

In 1975, Thailand hosted its lone World Cup of Golf, at the Navatanee Golf Course in Bangkok.

The committed player from each of the top 28 countries has until Thursday, September 20 (4am on September 21, Thailand time)) to choose his partner. The field of 56 players will also be finalised at the same time.

The 72-hole stroke play team format features four-ball (best ball) in the first and third rounds and foursomes (alternate shot) play in the second and final rounds.

In 2016, the last time the World Cup was played, Danes Søren Kjeldsen and Thorbjørn Olesen shot a final-round 66 in foursomes at Kingston Heath in Melbourne to win Denmark’s first title by four strokes over the United States, China and France.

Thailand is one of six Asian countries to have qualified for this year’s eventn November: the five others are South Korea, China, India, Chinese Taipei and Japan.

Qualification is based on the rankings of each country’s top two men – but the higher-ranked player was required to confirm his participation by yesterday.

If the top-ranked player elects not to commit – or fails to do so – the option will be passed to the next highest-ranked player from that country based on the Official World Golf Ranking.

In Thailand’s case, Kiradech is easily the country’s top player, followed by Jazz Janewattananond (world 140). If Kiradech had not confirmed his involvement Thailand would almost certainly have dropped out of qualification based on Janewattananond then becoming Thailand’s top player.

Several other countries had been placed on standby for this eventuality, which was rendered irrelevant with Kiradech’s announcement yesterday.

The ISPS HANDA Melbourne World Cup of Golf is one of five tournaments co-sanctioned by the International Federation of PGA Tours, joining the four events in the World Golf Championships series as tournaments which the Federation oversees.

The International Federation of PGA Tours is an organisation made up of all Tours from across the globe including the PGA TOUR, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, the ISPS HANDA PGA of Australasia, the Asian Tour and Sunshine Tour (South Africa PGA Tour).

World number 184 Torres missed the cut on her major debut at the LPGA Championship earlier this year, but a round featuring six birdies and an eagle at the long 15th made for the perfect follow-up.

The pair led by one from American Austin Ernst and by two from a formidable trio of former world number one Ryu So-yeon and two of the world’s best youngsters — Brooke Henderson and Nasa Hataoka.

Two-time major champion Ryu made her intentions clear with a round only marred by a bogey at the 18th.

“I am pleased with six birdies in my 67, but disappointed to drop a shot at the last. One bad tee shot — hopefully my last,” she said.

Torres, who missed the cut in 11 of her first 16 LPGA events this year, couldn’t have been happier with her sparkling performance at the final major of the year.

“I love the course and, I don’t know, but everything seemed to go in,” said the LPGA Tour rookie with a sense of bemusement. “It’s such an honour to be here.”

Canadian Henderson won her first major aged just 18 at the LPGA Championship two years ago, while Hataoka made history when she won the 2016 Japan Women’s Open as a 17-year-old amateur.

Two years on and the Japanese 19-year-old claimed her first USLPGA win this season at the Arkansas Championship. The following week, she lost in a play-off for the LPGA Championship which was won by the current world number one, Park Sung-hyun.

Ciganda has had a number of top-10s this season, but is still awaiting a first victory. She has never finished in the top 10 at Evian.

“It’s a tough course but I had a great round today. I hit all the fairways, kept hitting it close and made a lot of putts,” said the experienced 28-year-old.

The big-hitting Ciganda was third at the US Women’s Open and seventh at the Women’s British Open earlier this year.

“I always love coming back to Europe and I like the challenge of hard courses and playing in majors. You have to be tough mentally,” she said.

Henderson hit form to win her home Canadian Open at the end of last month — and she was thrilled with her opening 67.

“Conditions were great and I played really well, which was exciting,” said the 20-year-old. “Winning in Canada was a dream come true. It’s our national championship and it was truly awesome.”

Hataoka had six birdies and two bogeys to launch her bid for a first major, but admitted that there is still a long way to go.

“It is too early to be thinking about winning,” she insisted. “But if I keep it in the fairway and making putts, then I could be there.”

Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist, the defending champion, opened with a 71, but it was a horrible day for Park Sung-hyun. She shot 77 and will struggle to make the cut.