Lydia Ko is warming to her task after sluggish start in Australia, sitting 22nd after the first round of the LPGA Thailand tournament in Chonburi.
World No.1 Ko mixed five birdies with three bogeys on her two-under 70 to be four strokes behind two co-leaders including arch-rival Ariya Jutanugarn.
A five-time winner in 2016, one more than Ko, Thai world No.2 Jutanugarn never dropped a shot in hot conditions as she chases victory in her home tournament.
Alongside her is Korean Amy Yang, with world No.4 Shanshan Feng among four golfers a shot back.
The Kiwi 19-year-old showed some positive signs after her flat start to 2017 last week, placing 46th at the Women's Australian Open in Adelaide.
Operating with a new coach and caddie, along with new clubs, Ko's putting was superior while her fairway play was again steady.
Newshub.
