World number two Jeeno Thitikul holds a two-shot lead after the opening round of the AIG Women's Open, carding a flawless seven-under-par 64 at Royal Lytham & St Anne's.
The 23-year-old, who has recorded 11 top-10 finishes in major championships but is still chasing her first major title, produced a bogey-free round to make the perfect start to her campaign.
South Korea's Haeran Ryu, bidding to become only the fifth woman in history to win three major championships in a single calendar year, sits tied for second on five under alongside Japan's Shiho Kuwaki.
England's Lottie Woad and Charley Hull are both well placed on two under, while fellow English golfer Alice Hewson briefly led the field during the morning session before ending the day at one under par.
Despite her impressive start, Thitikul insisted that consistency remains her ultimate goal.
"Winning one major doesn't mean I'm going to have a really successful career," she said.
"Winning one doesn't mean much. I'd rather be a consistent player than win one and then disappear. Sometimes I've had a hard time dealing with all the noise."
Many of the world's leading golfers enjoyed strong opening rounds, but world number one Nelly Korda was among the notable exceptions.
The American struggled to keep pace after posting a two-over-par 73, a round that featured four bogeys, leaving her with ground to make up heading into the second round.
