Wannasaen Takes Early Lead at Kroger Queen City Championship

Chanettee Wannasaen of Thailand took the lead in the first round of the Kroger Queen City Championship in Hamilton, Ohio, with a score of 9-under-par 63. Her impressive performance included an eagle and seven birdies, all while maintaining a bogey-free scorecard.

Gigi Stoll secured the second position, finishing the round at 7-under 65. Wannasaen attributed her improved performance to a recent swing adjustment recommended by her coach. She had faced challenges in previous LPGA Tour events, which had impacted her confidence.

Wannasaen, already a two-time LPGA winner at the age of 21, highlighted her season with a tie for second place at the Women's PGA Championship. On Thursday, she reached the turn at TPC River's Bend at 3 under par and then achieved an eagle on the par-4 10th hole.

Six players tied for third place, each scoring 6-under 66. These included Jenny Bae, Peiyun Chien of Taiwan, Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand, and Koreans Kumkang Park, A Lim Kim, and Sei Young Kim. Bae's round featured consecutive birdies early on, followed by an eagle on the par-5 18th hole.

Nelly Korda, ranked second in the world, is among those tied at 5-under 67. Korda's round included eight birdies and three bogeys. Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, the world's number one player, began with a 3-under 69. Lydia Ko of New Zealand, the defending champion, shot a 2-under 70.