Ariya Jutanugarn continues roll, takes Day 1 lead at Olympic tourney

Ariya Jutanugarn set the pace on Day 1 in Rio. (Getty Images)

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Two weeks off didn’t change anything for Ariya Jutanugarn.

The 20-year-old Thai won the Ricoh Women’s British Open for her first major title and fourth win of the season in her pre-Olympic tune-up. Then on Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro, Jutanugarn took the Day 1 lead on the Olympic Golf Course.

Jutanugarn shot 6-under 65 to take a one-shot lead over South Koreans Inbee Park and Sei Young Kim.

Park skipped the last two LPGA majors, including a title defense at the Women’s British Open, to nurse a left thumb injury to good enough shape that she could compete in these Games. So far, the result has been the best round of her haphazard year.

“My only goal was just to play like I did in the practice rounds, and yeah, I felt pretty good coming into this week,” Park said. “My injury felt pretty good and ball‑striking to putting, everything, felt like I was quite ready. I’m very happy to see the results like today. It’s a good confidence boost.”

Dane Nicole Broch Larsen is a surprising name in a tie for fourth place with Candie Kung and Solheim Cup staple, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, at 4-under 67.

Larsen tried to treat the opening round like any other event.

“It was different waking up in the Olympic Village instead of in a single room at another hotel,” she said.

Among the American contingent of three players, Lexi Thompson had the best day, shooting 3-under 68 to draw into a tie for seventh place.

Thompson is putting a lot of stock in this competition — perhaps more so than her peers.

“I think the Olympics is higher than any major,” she said. “We have five majors a year, and we only have one Olympics every four years, and golf is back in it since 1904. I don’t think there’s a comparison to having a gold medal.”

Gerina Piller is another shot back at 2 under par, tied for 11th place alone with world No. 1 Lydia Ko and six other players. Stacy Lewis is at 1 under par.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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