Yan Liu of China shoots 66 in chilly and windy conditions to take LPGA
Tour lead
[June 19, 2026]
BELMONT, Mich. (AP) — Yan Liu of China shot a 6-under 66
in chilly and windy conditions Thursday morning to take the first-round
lead in the Meijer LPGA Classic.
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. |
Kiara Romero watches her tee shot on the ninth hole during the first
round of the Meijer LPGA Classic golf tournament, Thursday, June 18,
2026, in Belmont, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) |
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“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.”
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 U.S. Women’s Open, where she tied for sixth.
Defending champion Carlota Ciganda also opened with a 72.
Two-time winner Brooke Henderson had a 73. Second-ranked Jeeno
Thitikul shot 74.
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