SHIMA, Japan (AP) Japan's Shiho Oyama shot a 4-under 68 on Friday to take the first-round lead in the Mizuno Classic, the final tournament in the LPGA Tour's five-event Asian swing.
Oyama had six birdies and two bogeys at Kintetsu Kashikojima in the event also sanctioned by the JapanLPGA Tour.
Jiyai Shin, the tournament winner in 2008 and 2010, was a stroke back along with fellow South Koreans Chella Choi, Hee-Won Han, Na-Ri Lee, Eun-Bi Jang, American Brittany Lincicome, Japan's Junko Omote and Kaori Nakamura and Sweden's Pernilla Lindberg.
Defending champion Stacy Lewis opened with a 71. The American is the top-ranked player in the field at No. 3.
Lincicome had an eagle on the first hole before carding four birdies against three bogeys.
South Korean star Inbee Park, who leads the money list and player of the year rankings, is sitting out the tournament as is Suzann Pettersen of Norway, who trails Park on both lists.
Lewis leads the LPGA Tour in top-10 finishes this season with 16. Her three victories this season include a major championship, and she still has a remote shot at winning the player of the year award with three events remaining.
Karrie Webb of Australia, who won here in 2006, was tied for 36th place after an even-par 72.
