MAYBE IT WAS THE DUMPLINGS THAT INSPIRED KIM

Sei Young Kim spent Wednesday evening sampling some of Chinese Taipei’s iconic xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings) at the world-famous Din Tai Fung restaurant in downtown New Taipei City. Perhaps it was the magic of her favorite tasting that helped propel her to a 3-under 69 and a tie for second after Thursday’s first round.

“Really favorite dumpling is truffle dumpling,” said Kim with a laugh. “It was really awesome.”

Also awesome? Her first round, which featured five birdies, including four on her second nine, but also bogeys on the final hole of each nine.

“After the first nine holes, the front nine holes, I was getting used to the weather,” said Kim, who also pointed to her long-time caddie Paul Fusco as crucial support during the round’s rough weather conditions. “It’s easier than the front nine, and that’s the reason why I played better than the front nine.”

A WELCOME GOOD DAY FOR JUTANUGARN

Ariya Jutanugarn spent the first two-thirds of the 2017 LPGA season at the top of her game, making her first 14 cuts, capturing a playoff victory at the Manulife LPGA Classic and becoming the first player from Thailand to ascend to No. 1 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking.

However, since July 1, it’s been a different story for the Thai sensation, as a flare-up of an old shoulder injury sparked a skid that included five missed cuts and a withdrawal over a seven tournament stretch. Jutanugarn showed signs of her early-season spark in her T33 finish at last week’s LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship, and today’s sparkling 3-under 69 – only her third round in the 60s since July – brought out her signature megawatt smile.

“I think I hit the ball pretty solid today,” said Jutanugarn, whose devotion to the Vision54 philosophy helped her weather that difficult stretch. “I’m not worried about the outcome, so I just like focus on the things I can control and that worked out.”

QUICK HITS

Eun-Hee Ji is one of eight players to have played all seven Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championships; her best finish was T2 in 2015, where she held the lead after each of the first two rounds

Ji’s first-round 66 is tied for the second-lowest first round of her career; she also returned a 66 in the first round of this tournament in 2015

Ji’s first-round 66 is tied for her best round of 2017, joining the third round of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship and the fourth round of the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic

Megan Khang is playing in her second Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship; she finished T12 in 2016

Sei Young Kim is playing in her second Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship; she finished T23 in 2015

Ariya Jutanugarn is playing in her second Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship; she finished T29 in 2015

Amateur Chia Yen Wu was disqualified after her round for signing an incorrect scorecard

QUOTABLE

“I like Taiwan, and always when I come here, I play great. That’s why I come always. I like all the people here. I like the food here, dumplings.”

Eun-Hee Ji, on why she likes playing in this event

Kim Inspired and More from the Opening Round of the Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship

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