Kajang [SELANGOR]: Thailand’s Pimnipa Panthong sizzled with a six-under 66 to carve a four-shot advantage after the opening round of the 31st Malaysian Ladies Amateur Open (MLAO) on Tuesday.

The 16-year-old carded seven birdies against a single bogey at Sungai Long Golf & Country Club to lead Gauri Monga of India, who finished with a two-under 70.

Johor junior Chong Yong took share of third with another Thai and tournament favourite Ornnicha Konsunthea after returning with matching 71s.

“Seven birdies in any round is pretty good and this was achieved as I managed to pull some very good approach shots to the pin” said Pimnipa, who was delighted to help Thailand claim the driver’s seat in the team division as well.

Leading first round scores (Division 1) – Malaysian unless stated
66 – Pimnipa Panthong (THA)
70 – Gauri Monga (IND)
71 – Chong Yong, Ornnicha Konsunthea (THA)
72 – Chayanit Wangahaporn (THA)
73 – Genevieve Ling I-Rynn , Munchin Keh (NZ)
75 – Nur Durriyah Damian
76 – Vivienne Chin Ven Yi
77 – Winnie Ng
78 – Vanessa Bouvet (NZL), Anisha Padukone (IND)
79 – Tham Soot Yuet, Amandeep Drall (IND), Cheryl Lo Sue Sien, Dianne Luke, Gaurika Bishnoi (IND), Irene Hong
80 – Hillferah Tan, Asha Lakshme Balakrishnan
81 – Natasha Andrea Oon, Ginnie Ho,
83 – Kimberly Nelson, Qistina Balqis, Victoria Fricot (AUS)