Torres was crammed with her family in San Juan when the hurricane struck September 20 of last year, sweeping her apartment with winds of 250 km / h. As the family emerged from the rubble safely, they endured the consequences, with no running water for two days and no air conditioning for a week.

It was the most devastating natural disaster in the history of the island. Torres said his country is still trying to bounce back.

"We are returning to normal"said Torres. “We are almost back to normal. We have so much to fix, but I think we are going in the right direction and hope this hurricane season does nothing for us. "

Torres, a University of Florida alumnus, took a share of first place in the first round with a birdie at the end. She slipped 1 meter in the 18th to open hostilities with a score of -6 out of 65, equaling the departure of the Spaniard Carlota Ciganda.

This is the first time Torres has led or shared the lead after a round on the LPGA.

"I never thought I was going to make it this far"said Torres. “I'm just grateful to be there. "

There is formidable competition in ambush.

Austin Ernst is 1 shot behind while So Yeon Ryu, Brooke Henderson and Nasa Hataoka are two shots away.

Inbee Park, In Gee Chun, Georgia Hall and Mo Martin are the big field champions just three laps away.

"It's a difficult course"said Ciganda. “You have to play really well from the start. The rough is quite thick. This is really important when you hit the greens because the greens are very steep. You have to play smart. "

While the Evian Championship has scored record high scores in the past, birdies weren't easy to find on Thursday. Under blue skies and hot sun, the Evian Resort Golf Club was playing harder and faster than players had been accustomed to since its passage into the rainy season in September.

"The Evian Golf Course is not easy"said Park, who is looking to win his eighth major championship, which would tie Betsy Rawls for sixth place on the all-time list. “I made three bogeys today. There were a lot of mistakes. I have to concentrate on doing a little less tomorrow. "

How difficult was it?

Rolex world number 1 Sung Hyun Park returned a card of 77. She opened with 63 last year.

"Nothing went well"said Park.

Hall, who is looking to win two consecutive tournaments, was delighted to finish without a buggy.

"You have to be good at putting to play well around this course"said Hall.

Torres climbed the rankings with six birdies, an eagle and two buggies.

"I like this course"said Torres. “It's really a strategic journey. There is no benefit to anyone. "

To know more : evianchampionship.com