Australia's Gabriela Ruffels made a strong start but Japan's Akai Iwai stole the show in the opening round of the LPGA Tour's tournament in Pattaya, Thailand.

Playing on a sponsor's invitation, Iwai shot a flawless 10-under 62 with 10 birdies to lead by three shots from Sweden's Maja Stark with Thailand's Moriya Jutanugarn a further shot back.

Ruffels was six under through her first 10 hopes at Siam Country Club's Pattaya Old Course before two bogeys left her with a 68 and a share of seventh place on the leaderboard.

Steph Kyriacou was one stroke further back in a share of 15th while the only other Australian, Grace Kim, was well back after a 74.

The 22-year-old Iwai is a six-time winner on the Japan tour.

She equalled the 18-hole record set by countrywoman Yuka Saso in 2022 and American Jessica Korda in 2018.

-with The AP