Ko sets pace in Jeddah, Maguire seven off lead

World number one Lydia Ko and Thailand's Pajaree Anannarukarn made flying starts to the Aramco Saudi Ladies International title in Jeddah, with Ireland's Leona Maguire seven off the leaders following a good day at the office.

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Ko, who won the event in 2021 but did not defend her title last year, carded eight birdies in a flawless opening eight-under 64 at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club to share the lead with Anannarukarn.

Maguire picked up four birdies - including one on the 16th as she came home - but three bogeys stunted any hopes of keeping pace with the red-hot pair.

"I knew that today was the day to take advantage of the calmer conditions," said Ko, who got married in South Korea at the end of December.

"At this time of the year and with the forecast, it's only going to be stronger and probably some of the strongest winds I've seen out here.

"I knew with some of the pin positions I needed to be a little bit more aggressive. Most of the opportunities I had I was able to take advantage of that, it was that kind of a day and a nice start to the season.

"It's cool to see I have an officially under-par round as a Mrs."

The leading duo enjoyed a one-shot advantage over Atthaya Thitikul, Aditi Ashok and Jung Min Hong, with defending champion Georgia Hall six strokes off the pace following an opening 70.

The tournament has enjoyed a five-fold increase in prize money to $5m (€4.7m) to match the purse offered in the men's PIF Saudi International.