KUALA LUMPUR: Japan's Mao Saigo, seeking her breakthrough win on the LPGA Tour, outshone a stellar field to take a one-stroke lead after today's opening round of the Maybank Championship at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
The 23-year-old LPGA Tour rookie dazzled with a nine-under 63, edging South Korea's Ryu Hae Ran by one stroke.
Saigo's spectacular round featured 10 birdies, including a streak of four consecutive birdies from the fourth hole, with just one bogey marring an otherwise flawless scorecard.
China's Liu Rui Xin and Taiwan's Hsu Wei Ling shared third place after matching rounds of 65, while South Korea's Amy Yang and Japan's Yuka Saso were among six players tied for fifth at six-under.
Saigo credited her exceptional performance to precise ball-striking and excellent putting on what she described as a challenging but enjoyable layout.
"I hit really good shot and made a lot of middle length putt so that's why I play really well," said Saigo.
"There is so much up and down (on this course) so it's very difficult, but then it's really nice shape so I really enjoy playing on this golf course."
The Japanese star, who has already claimed six titles on the Japan LPGA Tour, has made quite an impact in her rookie LPGA season with six top-10 finishes, including runner-up performances at the CPKC Women's Open in July and the Buick LPGA Shanghai two weeks ago.
"I've been playing really well. That really makes my happy. But I really wanted to win," she said.
"I just try not to think about the result but I just try my best every single tournament and I try to finish my best."
Defending champion Celine Boutier of France opened with a solid 67 to share 11th place with 10 others, including Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul, whom she defeated in an epic nine-hole playoff last year.
World No. 2 Lilia Vu, the highest-ranked player in the field, faces an uphill battle after carding a 74 to tie for 70th place.