WHEELS ARE TURNING FOR 'SOLID' KO

In-form world No. 3 three shots behind leading trio at BMW C'ship after first round

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Olympic gold medallist Lydia Ko shot a five-under 67 on Oct 17 to finish three shots off the lead after the first round of the LPGA BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea.

The New Zealander triumphed at the Paris Olympics in early August and ended an eight-year Major drought at the Women's British Open at St Andrews two weeks later.

The 27-year-old had five birdies and no bogeys at Seowon Valley Country Club in Paju to stay within striking distance of the leading trio of South Korean Jenny Shin, Australian Hannah Green and South Africa's Ashleigh Buhai.

South Korea's Ryu Hae-ran was one shot behind after a 65.

The first round proved to be an extremely tight affair, with 11 players at five under - a reflection of the tournament's star-studded field, which is packed with eight of the LPGA Tour's top 10 players. It also comprises 17 of the 18 winners this season on the tour, with only world No. 1 Nelly Korda not taking part due to a neck injury.

Ko, the 2022 champion, said she was satisfied after a "solid" start at the no-cut event.