Pressel leads in Japan

Morgan Pressel grabbed the overnight lead in the LPGA Mizuno Classic after carding a five-under par 67 in Friday’s opening round.

The American carded two birdies going out and three coming in to complete one of only two bogey free rounds on the first day at the Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club.

“My day was good. It was tough out there with the winds. Especially early, some of those holes played really tough,” she told the LPGA website.

“I didn’t get myself in a lot of trouble and when I did I made a good putt for par. I definitely putted well today and I think that’s why I ended up at 5-under.

“I love playing in Japan. I love playing in front of the crowds. The golf courses are a lot of fun to play and I just really enjoy being in this country.

“Everybody is very nice here and very supportive so I do enjoy playing in Japan very much.”

Pressel, whose looking for her third victory on the LPGA Tour and first since the 2008, lead by just a single shot, with South Korea’s Chella Choi and England’s Dame Laura Davies tied for second one four-under.

Choi carded three bogeys and seven birdies, while Davies carded three birdies and two bogeys.

Pressel added that victory in the Mizuno Classic would “mean the world” to her.

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