Minjee Lee's strong LPGA Tour start in Japan

Minjee Lee has made a bright start to the LPGA Tour's Toto Japan Classic.

The 28-year-old West Australian birdied the 17th and 18th as she shot an umblemished five under par 67 on Thursday to be tied seventh after the opening round.

Coming to the end of her first decade on the LPGA Tour, world No.17 Lee is chasing an 11th victory.

She was four shots behind Japan's Hana Wakimoto, who had nine birdies in a 63 to lead by two shots from South Korea's Jin Young Ko.

South Koreans Jenny Shin, Hyo Joo Kim and Jin Young Ko and Sweden's Linn Grant were tied third at six under.

Young Aussie Grace Kim was tied 15th after a 69, with Hira Naveed a shot further back while their countrywoman Gabriela Ruffels was tied 71st in the field of 78 after a 73.