Leona Maguire Maguire inside top five after Women's World Championship opening round

Leona Maguire made a positive start to the Women's World Championship, playing her way into the top five at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore.

The Cavan native posted an opening round 70 to sit on two under par, two shots off the leader, Sarah Schmelzel from America.

Germany's Esther Henseleit shares second place on three under with Linn Grant from Sweden and American Lilia Vu, while Maguire sits in a group of five in tied fifth.

Maguire hit four birdies throughout her first round, however, they were cancelled out by four bogeys throughout the 18, while her eagle on the par four third hole secured the two under finish.

The two-time Olympian, who will again represent Ireland at the upcoming Paris Games, goes out in the third last group on Friday, playing alongside fellow fifth-placed duo Hyo Joo Kim from South Korea and Thailand's Chanettee Wannasaen.