Defending champion Pornanong Phatlum shot a 2-under 70 in extremely windy conditions to take the first-round lead at the season-opening Hitachi Ladies Classic on Friday.

Phatlum was the winner here at the Orient Golf & Country Club in 2011 and 2013, and her experiences have held her through testing conditions. The Thai sensation posted three birdies and just one bogey in the opening round for a one-stroke advantage over 19-year-old Korean Kim Min-Sun and Taiwanese Hsieh Yu-Ling (謝瑀玲).

“It was really a struggle with winds like that. I wasn’t striking well, and also a little rusty with my putting, but glad I keep my concentration and score pretty good in the end,” said Phatlum, who is currently ranked 23 on the LPGA official Money List.

Hsieh trails one shot behind Phatlum as after shooting four birdies and three bogeys at 71. “When the conditions are difficult like in was today, so cold and windy, if you’re able save par, you’re always going to have a good round,” said Hsieh. “I’m happy I managed quite well.” Hsieh only needs 25 putts today.

19-year-old Kim had her ups and downs when she could have taken the clubhouse lead but failed after three-putting her final Hole 9 to finish with a double-bogey. Another player at 19 looming in a tie for third is Taiwan's Lee Min (李旻), who had two birdies and bogeys each to sit at 72.

“I have to win this,” said Lee about her goal in the NT$10 million event. “I have to win money for my travels to play in the U.S.”

Credit Union Challenge winner on the Symetra Tour, Hsu Wei-Ling (徐薇淩) starts on the back nine and raced to the top position after ten holes at 3-under, however, three bogeys in a row from Hole 6 to Hole 8 squandered the lead. Hsu carded with 73 in a four-way tie for sixth.

“It was super windy into my final holes. I have to keep my shots low and I lost my precision,” said Hsu.

“Hitachi Taiwan Star” Yeh Hsin-Ning (葉欣寧) opens with a four-over 76 and sit in a tie for 29th.

The winner after the 3-day 54-hole competition will receive NT$2.5 million. Annual proceeds from the tournament will be used to endow local charities. Over the last five years, the tournament has raised donation exceeding NT$20 millions.