Xi, Lee lead Sime Darby

The USA’s Alison Lee and China’s Xi Yu Lin are tied for the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia first round lead after shooting scores of 65 on Thursday.

Xi and Lee both signed for six-under at the Kuala Lampur event, after carding seven birdies and one bogey each.

Tied for third and trailing the leaders by a shot are South Korea’s Chella Choi, the USA’s Michelle Wie, China’s Shanshan Feng and Taiwan’s Yani Tseng.

Lee, who only joined the tour this year, says that the victories of her fellow rookies have given her confidence.

"Being a rookie out here, I feel like it was a really kind of bold move for a lot of the rookies out here to be able to win," she told the LPGA Tour website.

"After seeing that, definitely motivates me to be able to win. I feel like I have the game and I have what it takes to be able to win. I just haven't.

“I've just had a couple weeks where I would kind of slip throughout cracks on a couple holes on one day…seeing them win motivates me and always assures me I can do it as well."

Lin is currently on her sophomore year on the tour and also chasing her first ever victory.

World number two Inbee Park is currently is currently tied for tenth on three-under, while world number one Lydia Ko is tied for 31st after shooting a level-par 71.

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