Veterans dominant at Beijing Challenge

Veterans were prominent on the Beijing Challenge leaderboard on Thursday as China's Zhang Na and Yan Panpan and Thai Pennapa Pulsawath each shot five-under 67 to share the first-round lead.

China's Tan Lingling, Tian Hong and Yu Ying shot 69 to sit two shots back in equal fourth with Thailand's Ploychompoo Wirairungrueng in the RMB500,000 China LPGA Tour event being played at Beijing Orient Pearl Golf Course.

Yan, winner of last week's Bank of Qingdao Golden Mountain Challenge, continued her strong form with a bogey-free round. Starting from the back nine in rainy conditions in the early morning, the 28-year-old reeled off five birdies over her first 10 holes before playing par golf back to the clubhouse.

With her coach following her around the course, Yan said she was pleased with her performance in light of the conditions.

"It's the first time this year that my coach followed me, which gave my confidence a boost. I had excellent iron play and hit 17 greens in regulation. Normally, I average 13 greens in regulation in a round. I just missed a green (at the No 6 hole) today, but I saved a par from the greenside bunker," she said.

"I had eight pars in a row in the end, which I didn't consider a poor performance because there are some tricky holes on the front nine. Even though I didn't play better, I think I lived up to my expectation. It's a great start. I am looking forward to tomorrow."

Zhang, one of the all-time China greats, put together her best round of the year. The four-time winner on the LPGA of Japan Tour could have had the clubhouse lead but failed to convert on a 10-foot putt for birdie at the last.

"I'm fine with that," said the Beijing native. "I've improved a lot with my putting because I have no three-putts today. For the past few events I've had three-putts, which is frustrating.

"This is my lowest score this year. I'm happy. I haven't led or co-led for a while, but I didn't care about it. I just want to enjoy the round."

After getting to four-under over the opening nine holes, Pennapa battled back from a double-bogey six at the 10th hole to pick up a stroke at the next. She then followed with consecutive birdies starting at the 15th hole to move into contention.

"Today my iron play was really good, and also my putting. The first two birdies I got were from long putts so that helped me gain confidence and make my game easier. On No. 9, I hit it to two inches and almost holed it. The rest were just birdies from putting," said the 27-year-old Bangkok native.

"The rain helped because it helped to stop the ball on the greens easier. For me, when I hit the shot, it stops. Most of my shots are pin high, so it was easier to make birdie."

Sui Xiang was the top amateur as the 16-year-old from Guangdong shot 70 to sit equal eighth, three shots off the pace. Endi