Choi Hye-jin has made a strong start in pursuit of her first-ever victory on the LPGA Tour at the Buick LPGA Shanghai.

Playing in the first round of the tournament held at Qizhong Garden Golf Club (Sheshan International Golf Club) in Shanghai, China, Choi carded an 8-under-par 64 with eight birdies and no bogeys.

Choi, who debuted on the LPGA Tour in 2022 and has posted consistent finishes every year but is still seeking her first win, moved into the solo lead, sitting three strokes ahead of second-place Carlota Ciganda.

Starting from the 10th hole, Choi shaved four strokes off her score on the front nine and put on a stellar display of shot-making by stringing together four consecutive birdies from the 2nd to the 5th holes.

After finishing her round, Choi said in an official interview, "My overall condition wasn't perfect today (October 15), but my long-distance putts dropped well, which allowed me to post a good score."

Among South Korean players, Yang Hee-young shot a 3-under 69, tying for seventh place alongside four others, including defending champion and world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda of the United States and No. 3 Yoo Hae-ran did not compete in the tournament.

Miyu Yamashita of Japan, who is competing with Korda and Yoo for the Vare Trophy awarded to the player with the lowest scoring average of the season, withdrew on the opening day of the tournament.

Going into the tournament, Korda held the lead in scoring average at 69.38, followed by Yoo in second at 69.54 and Yamashita in third at 69.64.

However, as Korda is taking a break and will not play in tournaments for the time being, she is not expected to meet the minimum round requirement to qualify for the Vare Trophy.

(Photo: Getty Images)