14-year-old local amateur golfer Zhou Shiyuan carded a four-under 68, tying for the lead with Thailand's Saranporn Katesuwan, after the first round of the 2024 Kove China Sports Lottery Chongqing Women's Open on Thursday.

Zhou thrilled local fans with a consistent start, opening with nine consecutive pars. She then heated up on the back nine, sinking five birdies and recording only one bogey.

"It's a funny day with an excellent score, which surpassed my expectations," said Zhou. "It's too early to say something about winning, but I am confident."

Saranporn also featured five birdies and a single bogey. "Today, I tried to play happy golf, not over-expect things. I had a lot of good putts, good saves," said the 19-year-old, who turned pro two years ago.

"My strategy for the next two days is the same thing, stay happy with myself, happy playing golf, no over-expectations," she added.

Veteran Chinese golfer Pan Yanhong and 19-year-old Zhang Yunxuan each finished one stroke back at 69. Amateur Li Menghan shot a 70 to sit in fifth, while a group of players, including Li Dongmei, Xu Ying, and Lin Qianhui, each posted 71 to finish the day tied for sixth. 

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