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LA JOLLA, California: Shin Ji-yai, who is fresh off a win last week in Arkansas, fired a six-under par 66 to grab a share of the lead after the first round of the LPGA Samsung World Championship.
Shin is locked in first place with South Korean compatriot Kim Song-hee who also shot an opening round 66 at the one million dollar tournament at the Torrey Pines golf course near San Diego, on Thursday.
Sweden's Sophie Gustafson and two-time winner and world number one Lorena Ochoa both shot five-under 67s and are tied for third place at the South Course. Gustafson won here in 2003.
Japan's Ai Miyazato and American veteran Juli Inkster are tied for fifth place at minus-four.
Defending champion Paula Creamer shot a three-under par 69. She won in 2008 at Half Moon Bay Golf Links course.
The field includes 17 of the top 20 players on the season money list, including Shin. Shin, who leads the LPGA tour in earnings this year, collected her third victory of 2009 last week in Arkansas.
Shin is trying to become the first women since Nancy Lopez in 1978 to finish on top of the money list and win the rookie of the year award in the same year.
Cristie Kerr, who shot even-par 72 on Thursday, is a close second behind Shin in the money list.
This year's four major champions and first time winners - Brittany Lincicome (Kraft Nabisco Championship), Anna Nordqvist (LPGA Championship), Ji Eun-hee (US Women's Open) and Catriona Matthew (Women's British Open) - are all in the abbreviated field.
- AFP/yb
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