Yuka Saso had an eagle-spiked five-under-par 67 on Thursday to be two shots behind local bet Sasuki Oshihiro after the first round of the $1.9 million Nitori Ladies championship at Otaru Golf Club in Hokkaido in Japan.
Saso eagled the par-5 13th hole and had four more birdies against a bogey for a 35-32 card even as Oshihiro had eight birdies in a 65 for the early lead.
Four players carved out 68s to be three behind.
Saso, the 19-year-old reigning Asian Games gold medalist, is shooting to win for the second straight time after rallying to rule the NEC tournament two weeks ago.
Hosting this week’s leg is one of the toughest courses on tour, measuring a shade under 6,700 yards.
Saso made four birdies in her last nine holes, the front side, and even held the clubhouse lead.