HAIKOU, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Rookie professional Fang Yuhan and veteran Hu Jing set the early pace at the CLPG Tour Championship on Thursday, each carding a five-under-par 67 to take a one-shot lead after the opening round in Hainan Province.

Playing the Vintage Course at Mission Hills Resort Haikou under cloudy, slightly breezy conditions, Fang produced a bogey-free round built on precise iron play and five birdies, including a three at the last.

The Shanghai teenager said she was simply happy to be back on course after a high fever forced her to withdraw in Wanning early in the second round last week.

"Today my irons were really good and I created a lot of birdie opportunities. Most of the shorter holes left me within about five yards, so almost all my birdies came from short putts. My game was very steady throughout the round," said the 18-year-old, who turned pro in March.

Hu, from Hong Kong, China, made three runs of back-to-back birdies in her early morning round, offset by a lone bogey at the 427-yard 11th hole.

"I would say my performance today was excellent. I'm giving myself a full 100 points. I don't even want to dwell on the small mistakes or missed putts," said the 24-year-old, who is still seeking her first professional win since turning pro in 2018.

Chen Siyan of Hangzhou was one shot back after a 68 at the season-ending CLPG Tour event.

Points leader Wang Zixuan posted a bogey-free 69 to sit in a tie for fourth alongside Beijing amateur Liu Yujie and amateur Sophie Han from Hong Kong. ■