In Gee Chun - Photo: DR

Chun participates for the 3rd time in this event where she has not had much success in the past, with a missed cut and an arrival at T-65. But the world No.7 got off to a much better start this time around, indicating that she felt more comfortable on Thursday playing alongside Ariya Jutanugarn and amateur Julia Engstrom whom she considers to be friends.

"Before the round I was really nervous, it was windy and stormy this morning so I tried to focus more on my game"said Chun. “I could clearly see the lines of putt, which came in well this time around. And then I was playing with Ariya. I am always happy to play with her because she is so nice. And I was playing with Julia today. She is so sweet. Thanks to them for making me feel comfortable. "

Chun has shone all season, posting nine top-10s and six top-3s. Chun gained membership for this season by winning the US Women's Open in 2015 as a non-member.

Major champion So Yeon Ryu had her lowest lap at this event since 2013, posting a clear round at (-5) with a 66 card including four birdies and an eagle. Ryu is one of the most consistent players on the Tour, having played no less than a single weekend in the tournament since the 2014 Evian Championship, and thus continued to remain in contention over the past few weeks, finishing outside the top-15 just once in seven starts.

"You can't really complain about anything when you have a perfect lap. But especially my departures and my irons were perfect. " said Ryu. “I actually work really hard on my putting and think the harder I work the more it will pay off someday. So I hope it will pay off the next three days ”.

The French women present

First fairly satisfactory day for the French people in Évian. Karine Icher is 39th (71). Joanna Klatten, Céline Herbin and Isabelle Boineau are 53rd (72), nine shots behind the Korean co-leaders (63).