Choi Opens Three-Shot Lead in Shanghai
Hye-Jin Choi opened the Buick LPGA Shanghai with a bogey-free 8-under 64 at Sheshan Golf Club, giving her a three-shot lead. Carlota Ciganda is second at 5-under after recording eight birdies and three bogeys. Defending champion Jeeno Thitikul is tied for seventh.
Choi has 12 KLPGA titles and $7.2m in official LPGA earnings, yet remains without an LPGA victory. Her opening 64 featured eight birdies, including four in succession on the second nine, and stood as one of just three bogey-free cards. It was her season's best score and equalled her best first round as a professional.
She is making her fourth start in this tournament; her prior finishes were T3, T5 and T11, all at Qizhong. Sheshan is staging the event for the first time. During 2026, she has made 17 cuts in 22 appearances, posted four top-10s and finished second with Hyo Joo Kim.
Choi's fast start, combined with Ruoning Yin's presence near the lead, may lift local interest in the Shanghai tournament and women's golf more broadly. Chinese supporters could feel greater connection to a home contender, perhaps encouraging younger players. For the LPGA, compelling early storylines involving Choi, Ciganda and Thitikul could draw more media and sponsor attention during the Asian Swing, though a single round is unlikely to produce lasting effects.