Sylvania (US), Jul 9 (Golf news) India's Olympic-bound golfer Aditi Ashok shot an even par 71 in the opening round to be tied-65th in the Marathon LPGA Classic here.
Aditi, who had two birdies and as many bogeys, will need a solid second round to ensure weekend play.
Japan's Nasa Hataoka, who had a chance of creating LPGA history with a 59, needed birdies on the final two holes for a sub-60. However, she couldn't manage it and finished with a 10-under 61 to take a four-stroke lead.
Also read: Indian golfer Aditi Ashok finishes T-47th at Volunteers of America Classic
Annika Sorenstam is the only player to shoot 59 on the LPGA Tour, accomplishing the feat in 2001.
Hataoka had six straight birdies and added three more in a row before closing the bogey-free round with the two pars.
Lauren Stephenson was second after a 65. She also missed a chance to go lower on her final two holes, finishing with two pars on the par-5, 17th and 18th.
Matilda Castren was another stroke back at 66 with Ariya Jutanugarn, Mina Harigae, Yealimi Noh and Ssu-Chia Cheng.
News source: PTI
