Thitikul opens AIG Women's Open with 64, leads by two

Jeeno Thitikul seized the early lead at the AIG Women's Open on Thursday, firing a bogey-free, seven-under-par 64 at Royal Lytham St. Annes. The 23-year-old Thai star holds a two-shot advantage over Japan's Shiho Kuwaki and South Korea's Haeran Ryu after the first round of the year's final major championship.

Thitikul, a former world number one who has yet to win a major, made three consecutive birdies early in her afternoon round and avoided any bogeys. She described her mindset as focused on the process rather than the outcome, stating she feels a major victory will come in time if she continues to perform. Her strategy included successfully navigating the course's famed pot bunkers, a skill honed when she was the low amateur at this venue in 2018.

Hot on her heels is Haeran Ryu, who carded a 66 to position herself for a historic run. Having won the last two majors-the Women's PGA Championship and the Evian Championship-Ryu is attempting to become the first player since Inbee Park in 2013 to win three consecutive majors. She credited her current form to a calmer, more enjoyable approach to the game. Shiho Kuwaki, playing in just her seventh LPGA major, matched Ryu's 66 with a...