Lewis Again Off to Hot Start in LPGA Event


Just like last week, when she opened with a 7-under 66 to take the first-round lead at the Reignwood LPGA Classic in Beijing, Stacy Lewis is again setting the pace on the LPGA Tour.

The top-ranked player in women's golf fired a 6-under 65 for a one-shot lead in the $2 million Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, which started Thursday at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.

Lewis carded three birdies on each the first and back nines to go up by one over South Koreans Na Yeon Choi, Hee Young Park, Eun Hee Ji and So Yeon Ryu.

Last week, Lewis fell short of recording her fourth title of the year in China. After entering the final round tied for the lead with Sweden's Caroline Hedwall, Lewis closed with a 2-over 75 to drop into a tie for sixth, four strokes behind winner Mirim Lee.

But it's another tournament and Lewis is focused on the task at hand in Malaysia. "Another week, I got off to a good start again," the 29-year-old told reporters. "My goal was to shoot a 1- or 2-under on the front and I got off to a good start.

"It was kind of shaky on the first three holes but I just hung in there and gave myself a lot of birdie chances and I was fortunate to make a few. So it was a little bit of an ugly round, but I got a lot out of it."

Added Lewis of the venue: "I think the course is fun to play. It's a course where, if you're in position, you can make a lot of birdies. But if you get out of position, you will struggle to make par. And, having grown up in Texas in the States, where it's hot and humid, today (Thursday) was just another normal summer day."

Trailing Lewis by two are three more South Koreans - My Hyang Lee, Jenny Shin and Amy Yang, China's Shanshan Feng and Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum.

Feng, who tried but failed miserably to defend her title last week in Beijing, posting rounds of 75, 71, 74 and 75 to end up tied for 49th at 3-over 295, has also moved on from the disappointment in her home country.

"I'm more relaxed," Feng said. "Last week, I think people wanted me to win again, and I told everybody I was not going to give myself pressure, but I think I still did a little bit. I tried too hard and actually it went the wrong way."

Mirim Lee is seeking her third title of the year. The 23-year-old rookie opened with an even-par 71. Defending champion Lexi Thompson, who won in 2013 by four strokes, also opened with a 71.

For all the scores, visit www.lpga.com.