Yan Liu of China shoots 66 in chilly and windy conditions to take LPGA Tour lead

BELMONT, Mich. — Yan Liu of China shot a 6-under-par 66 in chilly and windy conditions Thursday morning to take the first-round lead in the Meijer LPGA Classic.

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Liu closed with a birdie on the par-5 18th at Blythefield Country Club. The 28-year-old player is winless on the LPGA Tour.

“Very happy I put myself on this position,” Liu said. “I think nothing to lose so I just do my best.”

American Jessica Porvasnik and Cassie Porter of Australia were a stroke back.

“Was definitely pretty windy, but kind of the wind direction I really liked out there,” Porvasnik said. “West-northwest kind of suited my game well.”

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Jennifer Kupcho was at 68 with Youmin Hwang, Minji Kang, Nastasia Nadaud, Benedetta Moresco, and Daniela Darquea.

“To start it was really windy,” Kupcho said. “Had kind of bit of a stomach ache, so a little bit rough start to the beginning of the round.”

Amateur star Kiara Romero shot a 72 playing on a sponsor exemption. She’s the No. 1 amateur in the world and was the low amateur at the US Women’s Open, where she tied for sixth.

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Defending champion Carlota Ciganda also opened with a 72.

Two-time winner Brooke Henderson had a 73. Second-ranked Jeeno Thitikul shot 74.