Elizabeth Szokol holds three-shot lead at LPGA HSBC Women’s Championship

Elizabeth Szokol carded an eight-under 64 as she took a three-shot lead after round one of the HSBC Women’s Championship in Singapore; Japan’s Yuka Saso leads the chasing pack; watch round two of the LPGA event live on Sky Sports Golf from 4.30am on Friday

Elizabeth Szokol shot an eight-under 64 on Thursday to open up a three-stroke lead after the first round of the Women’s World Championship at the Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore.

After a bogey on her first hole, the American world No 153 recorded seven birdies and an eagle to build a solid advantage over the chasing pack, which was led by Japan’s Yuka Saso on five under after she carded a flawless 67.

World No 2 Nelly Korda shot 68 for a share of third place with five others, including Patty Tavatanakit, Hyo-Joo Kim, Ariya Jutanugarn and Jeong-Eun Lee.

Top-ranked Lydia Ko (70) of New Zealand and South Korea’s reigning champion Jin-Young Ko (72) endured difficult days with the putter and finished in a share of 14th and 36th respectively.

Szokol is returning from a herniated disk and said she took advantage of the soft conditions on a damp course.

“This is my first time playing here. And people had said usually it’s a bit firmer. But the rain definitely softened it up. So I could be a little bit more aggressive with some pins today,” she said.

Saso won the 2021 US Open as a teenager but has failed to win any titles since and said: “Well, winning here on the LPGA is not easy. So you just have to keep grinding and keep working and give yourself a chance.”

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