Modest start for Aditi Ashok in Michigan LPGA event

Grand Rapid (US): Indian golfer Aditi Ashok had a modest start with one-over 73 at the Meijer LPGA Classic here.

Aditi was placed T-43 but as much as nine shots behind the leader, So Yeon Ryu and Kelly Shon, who 64 each.

Aditi, who was T-45th at Shoprite LPGA Classic after two Top-10s before that, had three bogeys against two birdies.

So Yeon Ryu, the No. 6 ranked player in the world, provided the early fireworks with an eight-under, 64 to grab the early lead on Thursday.

Towards the end of the first wave, Kelly Shon closed with an eagle on eight and a birdie on nine to match Ryu with a 64. Shon played her inward nine in 29 with five birdies and an eagle. She made seven birdies on the day.

Lizette Salasshot a 6-under, 66, while South African Lee-Anne Pace carded a 5-under, 67, as did Caroline Masson. Morgan Pressel turned in a 4-under, 68. Defending champion Brooke Henderson opened with a 3-under, 69.