World number one Lydia Ko shares first-round lead in Saudi Arabia

Anannarukarn’s Thai compatriot Atthaya Thitikul is one shot back along with Aditi Ashok and Jung-Min Hong.

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Lydia Ko regains Aramco Saudi Ladies International

“I knew that today was the day to take advantage of the calmer conditions,” said Ko, who was born in South Korea but now represents New Zealand.

She won the event in 2021 but did not defend her title last year.

“With some of the pin positions I needed to be a little bit more aggressive,” Ko added. “Most of the opportunities I had I was able to take advantage of that, it was that kind of a day and a nice start to the season.

“It’s cool to see I have an officially under-par round as a Mrs.”