BO-KYUNG TOPS THE DAY IN CHINA LADIES OPEN

　　新浪体育讯　XIAMEN (China) Dec 14, 2007: Unheralded Kim Bo-kyung of Korea upstaged her a field of star players after shooting a 5-under 67 on day one of the USD250,000 Orient China Ladies Open at the Orient Golf Club here today.

　　She takes a one-stroke lead over on-form teenage golfing prodigy from South Korea, Shin Ji-yai and Park Ha-na also from Korea who finished the day with 4-under 68 to sit on joint second spot.

　　Bo-kyung, starting from the 10th tee, overcame a nervous start to make the turn on even par, after posting a birdie and a bogey. She however, recovered solidly on the home stretch to reel off with five birdies for her 67 total.

　　"I feel good. My iron shots went well and I struck form with my long putts especially on the home stretch," said Bo-kyung, who is still looking for a first professional career win, since turning professional two years ago.

　　Adding that she herself is surprise to be the leader, Bo-kyung is hoping that there will be not be another déjàvu. "Last year I was the co-leader with Ji-yai in the second round, but eventually I finished the tournament in 11 th spot. So, this time around I'm going to take some extra precaution not to let that happen again," she said.

　　Ji-yai however, is not perturbed sitting on joint second spot. We have two more rounds to go. I hope to take over the lead tomorrow. Today I played well, but because of the slow greens my putt fell short of the cup. The 2006 defending champion, who has virtually erased all of the records in the KLPGA Tour previously held by Se-ri Pak, also has a one-stroke lead over two other players tied on fourth spot - including her main rival and compatriot Ji Eun-hee, whom she will partner in the Women's World Cup in January 2008 in South Africa. The other player is Chinese Taipei's Tseng Ya Ni of Chinese Taipei.

　　Eun-hee said she was happy to play a fine round, despite playing on the course for the first time.

　　"I could have done better, but the slow greens denied me of a better score. I could not get the right feel for putting," she said.

　　China's challenge rests of four players – Yang Hongmei, Zhang Na, Yang Taoli and Jiang Xijuan who finished on identical 1-under 71 and is tied in 11 th spot.