Japan’s Miyu Yamashita early leader at CPKC Women’s Open, Canadian teens chasing

Edmonton - Canadian teenage golfers were closely following Japan's Miyu Yamashita's lead after Thursday's opening round of the CPKC Women's Open. Yamashita, a first-time participant, shot a season-best 62 on the challenging Royal Mayfair Golf Club course, one stroke ahead of countrywoman Nasa Hataoka and two behind winner Kiara Romero of the United States.

Teenagers Anna Huang, 17, and Michelle Xing, 18, finished tied for fourth at 5-under-par 65, along with China's Ruoning Yin and Japan's Yuri Yoshida. Yamashita, who recently won the Meijer LPGA Classic, credited her putting for her strong first-round performance. Defending champion Brooke Henderson of Canada, seeking her third victory in her home tournament, finished at 3 under.

Both Huang and Xing qualified for the cut after their two attempts at previous events. The first round was played in cloudy conditions with temperatures around 24 C, and heavy rain in Edmonton led to mosquito outbreaks, prompting many players to wear long-sleeved clothing.