GYEONGJU, South Korea, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Joo Mi Kim shot 6-under 66 Friday to take the lead after the opening round of the LPGA's KOLON-Hana Bank Championship in Gyeongju, South Korea.
The tournament was formerly known as the CJ Nine Bridges Classic, and the defending champion is Jee Young Lee.
Heading into the second 18 holes, Kim -- who won the season-opening tournament, the SBS Open at Kahuku, Hawaii -- leads Lee by one shot.
"Actually, now is better than that one," the 22-year-old Kim said after the round. "The shots I'm making are much better because I'm in Korea. I feel more confident I can play better in Korea than in the United States."
Jeong Jang, Paula Creamer, Hee-Won Han, Jin Joo Hong, Lindsey Wright and Karine Icher are tied for third at 4-under 68.
The tournament's sponsor and venue -- Jeju Island, South Korea -- were changed this week.
A group of 69 players traveled to Gyeongju to try to earn the $202,500 winner's check.
