26 was the magic number for former JLPGA player Lu Hsiao-Chuan (呂曉娟) in the first day of the 2013 TLPGA&Royal Open, the season-opening event co-sanctioned with LAGT. It took Lu an impressive “26” putts for the opening round, wrapped up by the score of a 4-under 68 to earn the lead at the Royal Kuan-Hsi Golf Club by one shot.

At the end of 2011, the Taiwanese decided to take a break for some disappointing results after 13 years on the JLPGA Tour, and started her coaching career across the sea at the Tianma Country Club in Shanghai, China. It turned out a nice surprise when she found out that by coaching, she was able to examine her basics and shades of her prime time seemed to have come back.

“I felt like what I used to be was showing up again over the past year but to be honest, I didn’t see myself taking the lead at an event of this level.”

The 36-year-old admits fitness has still been an issue. “I was basically dragging myself through the back-nine,” said Lu, who, nonetheless, posted a 33-35 68 after 18 holes, in which she needed just 26 putts.

No.1 on 2012 TLPGA Tour Official Money List and Taifong Ladies Open winner Teresa Lu (盧曉晴) found the greens in regulation in seventeen holes but putting let her down. The local hope struggled with a poor 35 putts, yet managed to hold her position tied for 13th with an even-par finish.

Thailand’s Titiya Plucksataporn sits one shot back to the leader at 69. Defending champion Shih Huei-Ju (石惠如) ties with another pair of Thai, both one-time TLPGA title winner, Tiranan Yoopan and Chuticahi Porani, for third at 70.

2012 Fubon Ladies Open winner Phoebe Yao (姚宣榆) aced Hole 17 at yesterday’s pro-am exhibition, which could’ve won her two flight tickets sponsored by Eva Air in the main tournament, but failed to produced her best game today and finished with a 4-over 76.