Japan rookie Saigo takes one-shot lead at LPGA in Kuala Lumpur

Japanese rookie Mao Saigo carded a nine-under-par 63 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the LPGA Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

South Korea's Ryu Hae-ran shot a 64, with Liu Ruixin of China and Taiwan's Hsu Wei-ling tied third with matching 65s.

Six players were tied for fifth a further shot back including double major winner Yuka Saso.

The day however belonged to the 23-year-old Saigo, who had 10 birdies against a lone bogey under clear skies at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.

🔥🔥🔥

What a round for Mao Saigo! pic.twitter.com/Oz24SfNClG

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 24, 2024

"The course is difficult because there is so much up and down, but I am enjoying myself playing here," said Saigo, who is in her first season on the LPGA Tour.

"I will rest and recover for the coming days."

Saigo carded six birdies on the front nine and continued the hot streak with a further two on the 10th and 11th holes.

Another steady birdie putt on the 15th, followed with a final one on the 16th, and the Japanese looked poised to finish with a flawless scorecard.

Saigo bogeyed the following hole but was pleased with her overall performance.

"I made a lot of middle-length putts and that's how I played really well," she said.

Ryu, a two-time LPGA Tour winner, finished her opening round with consecutive birdies for a blemish-free scorecard.

"Today my putting is good, better than last week," said the 23-year-old Korean.

"I made a lot of birdies and I am happy. I just need to be more comfortable with my shots and putting. That's my mindset."