Yuri Fudo shot an 8-under-par 64 Thursday to grab a one-stroke lead at the Nichirei Ladies golf tournament. Fudo, who leads the Japan LPGA money rankings this season, knocked down eight birdies at the par-72, 6,456-yard Yomiuri Country Club in western Tokyo for the opening-day lead.
Noriko Aso was a further stroke back at 65 after offsetting a lone bogey against six birdies and an eagle on the par-5 sixth hole. Defending champion Annika Sorenstam of Sweden is not taking part because of previous commitments. Britain's Laura Davies shot a 70 that included a pair of bogeys and four birdies, and is in a tie for 18th at 2-under-par.