Anna Nordqvist had her second match go all 18 holes Thursday before she held on for a 1-up victory over Lauren Coughlin, putting her in position to win her group and advance to the knockout stage of the Bank of Hope LPGA Match Play.
Five golfers fired opening-round 65s to share the lead through 18 holes of the LPGA Thailand at Pattaya Old Course at Siam Country Club in Chonburi, Thailand.
Anna Nordqvist, the 34-year-old Swede who won the Women's British Open on Sunday, will make a seventh straight appearance on Europe's Solheim Cup squad with an automatic berth as a result of the victory.
Anna Nordqvist and Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Scandinavians with contrasting golf résumés, share the lead heading into the final round of the Women's British Open.