Thai teenager Phatlum Pornanong set the tone for the DLF Women's Indian Open with a tidy two-under 70 that gave her sole possession of the lead at the end of the first day of the $120,000 Ladies Asian Golf Tour event at the DLF Golf and Country club.
Despite a bogey on the closing hole, Phatlum was one clear of her nearest rivals, amateur Lidya Ivana Jaya, the 2008 Indonesia Amateur champion, and Ladies European player Jenni Kuosa of Finland who had a birdie-birdie finish for one-under 71 each.
The Indian interest was maintained by the field's lone LPGA star, Smriti Mehra, who carded a one-over 73 and was tied fifth.
Lying fourth was Shih Huei-Ju of Chinese Taipei . Bangalore amateur Sharmila Nicollet finished with a double bogey on 17th and another bogey on 18th to finish with a seven-over 79.
India's other big hope, Irina Brar, had a tough time with a four-over 76 and was tied 21st.