South Korea's In-Kyung Kim carded a four-under 68 on Thursday to take the lead after the opening round of the Phoenix LPGA International tournament.

Kim's round was highlighted by an eagle at Papago Golf Course's number 18 — her ninth hole of the day — where she chipped in from 20 feet.

She added five birdies with three bogeys.

"I had a good, solid round," said Kim, who is seeking her first LPGA tour win of the year and second of her career. "I had a few embarrassing bogeys out there.

"Three-putted at hole number three. But other than that, it was a solid round and I had a good day."

Kim said the windy conditions made things difficult, especially since the gusts weren't consistent.

"It wasn't hard, but it was on and off forward, so it was a little difficult to adjust the yardage. It was tougher on and around the greens because it was so dry out there," she said. "There was not much spin around the green."

Kim led a group of five players — including compatriots Jiyai Shin, Eun-Hee Ji and Inbee Park by one stroke. Norway's Suzann Pettersen and American Cristie Kerr were also in the group on 69.

Shin and Kerr also eagled 18. It was one of two eagles for Kerr, who also eagled the 10th.

Park appeared headed for a share of the lead, but bogeyed her final hole.

Ten players were tied for seventh at two-under.

The first round was suspended due to darkness with three groups still ont he course. It was to resume Friday morning.

The 1.5 million-dollar tournament marks the LPGA's return Stateside after forays to Thailand, Singapore and Mexico.

World number one Lorena Ochoa of Mexico, seeking a third straight title in the event, was tied for 21st on even-par 72.

AFP

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