Overview

• Aphrodite Deng, a 15-year-old Canadian amateur, carded a 5-under 66 to share second with Jeeno Thitikul, Megan Khang, Gaby Lopez and Leona Maguire.
• World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul returned to competition with a 66, joining the chasing pack two shots back of Iwai.
• Brooke Henderson posted an even-par 71 to sit tied for 38th, while defending champion Lauren Coughlin opened with a 74.
• The championship runs Aug. 20–24 under a 72-hole format with a 36-hole cut to the top 65 and ties after Friday.
• Notable names are missing from the field, with Charley Hull saying she is rehabbing an ankle injury; Miyu Yamashita, Ruoning Yin, Kim Hyo-joo and Ayaka Furue were also reported absent.