Auston Kim Leads LPGA Singapore

Auston Kim's opening-round 6-under 66 marks a dramatic turnaround from her last appearance at this Singapore event, where she shot a 78 in the first round in 2025. The 25-year-old American attributed her strong start to an improved mental game, which she has been working on with a coach. This is Kim's second appearance at the HSBC Women's World Championship. Since joining the LPGA Tour in 2024, she is still searching for her first victory but has already achieved eight top-10 finishes, including a runner-up position at last year's KPMG Women's PGA Championship. The HSBC Women's World Championship boasts a US$3 million purse and draws an elite field, with nine of the world's top 10 players competing this year. The tournament is the second of three stops on the LPGA's early-year Asian swing. While Kim holds the early lead, she is being chased by a packed leaderboard. China's Yan Liu is just one shot behind after the first round. Defending champion Lydia Ko sits four shots back after shooting a 2-under 70. The bettors eyeing longshot Chisato Iwai have good reason, as the Japanese rookie won her first LPGA title at the Mexico Riviera Maya Open in May 2025. That victory was one of three for a rookie on the LPGA Tour before the end of May last year. Grace Kim, another name attracting attention from bettors, is also a recent first-time major champion, having won the Amundi Evian Championship in July 2025. The 24-year-old Australian secured her victory in a dramatic playoff.