Former LPGA Championship winner Anna Nordqvist of Sweden fired an opening 66 to grab a one-stroke lead over American Michelle Wie in the LPGA Thailand at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course on Thursday.

Australian veteran Karrie Webb, fresh from winning her fifth Australian Open title in Melbourne, shot one-under-par 71.

Playing under overcast skies, the 26-year-old Swede hit six birdies, two bogeys and an eagle on the 15th to take a solo lead at sia under par in the 70-player tournament.

“I started with three birdies, so obviously got some momentum off the start,” Nordqvist said.

After barely registering a top-10 finish, late last year Nordqvist had to find a new coach, Jorje Parada of Spain, and changed equipment.

“It felt like at one point last year I was about ready to quit golf,” added the world No.27.

“I just kind of lost the reason why I play golf, the fun of it. I have good people around me now. They have been really helping me to get that inspiration back.”

Wie fired six birdies, while bogeying the third, for a 67.

“I birdied all four of the par 5s today, which definitely helps on this golf course,” she said.

Three more Americans are a stroke further back on 68 – Lexi Thompson, Jennifer Johnson and Angela Stanford, whose round was aided by a hole in one on the par 3, 146-yard eighth hole.

Webb’s group on 71 included World No.1 and defending champion Inbee Park of South Korea, world No.3 American Stacy Lewis, 2012 LPGA Championship winner Feng Shanshan of China.