Two players are tied for the first-round lead at the LPGA Thailand tournament

CHONBURI, Thailand (AP) — Nasa Hataoka shot a 7-under 65 Thursday on the Siam Country Club Old Course and was tied for the lead after the opening round at the LPGA Thailand, the first of three tournaments in Asia in consecutive weeks.

Hataoka, who was runner-up at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open, has won five individual LPGA tournaments and two in the International Crown team event.

She was tied Thursday with Thailand's Chanettee Wannasaen. Gemma Dryburgh, who opened her round with an eagle and three birdies, was a stroke behind with a 66 and level with Somi Lee and Hye-Jin Choi.

“I think my tee shots and iron shots were pretty good today, and that’s why I was able to create so many birdie chances,” said the 27-year-old Hatoaka.

Top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul and Lydia Ko shot 67s and were in a group of 10 tied for sixth. Defending champion Angel Yin had a 69.

The 22-year-old Thitikul first played her home LPGA tournament in Thailand when she was 14.

“I couldn’t believe like time flies so fast," she said. “I mean, yesterday I just sitting on the coach in the hotel room and imagine I couldn’t believe how far that I have been come from 14 to now.”

Nelly Korda won for the first time in 14 months without having to hit a shot when the LPGA's season-opening Tournament of Champions was reduced to 54 holes on Feb. 1 because of wind and cold that made the Lake Nona course in Florida unsuitable for a final round.

World second-ranked Korda is not in Thailand and won't be at the next two tournament stops in Singapore and China — she's skipping the early Asia swing for the third consecutive year.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Somi Lee of South Korea reacts after putting the ball on the 14th green during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya, Thailand, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Kittinun Rodsupan)

Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand reacts after putting on the first hole during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya, Thailand, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Kittinun Rodsupan)

Gemma Dryburgh of Scotland, watches her tee shot on the 5th green during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya, Thailand, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Kittinun Rodsupan)

Chanettee Wannasaen of Thailand watches her shot on the 1st green during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya, Thailand, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Kittinun Rodsupan)

Nasa Hataoka, of Japan watches her tee shot on the 1st green during the first round of the LPGA Honda Thailand golf tournament in Pattaya, Thailand, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Kittinun Rodsupan)

KOLKATA, India (AP) — West Indies completed the T20 World Cup group stage undefeated after dismissing Italy for 123 and winning by 42 runs on Thursday.

Italy finished its maiden World Cup appearance with plaudits after stunning Nepal and losing to England narrowly, Scotland and the West Indies.

Both teams struggled on what appeared to be a good batting pitch at Eden Gardens.

West Indies captain Shai Hope starred with 75 off 46 balls, his second straight World Cup half-century, and the next best score was Ben Manenti's 26 for Italy.

West Indies defended a sub-par 165. Italy lost three wickets in the powerplay thanks to medium-pacer Matthew Forde, and pacer Shamar Joseph limited Italy in the middle and death overs with 4-30. Joseph also took four catches.

Hope kept the West Indies from floundering, opening the batting and hitting four sixes and six boundaries until he was bowled by Crishan Kalugamage in the 16th over.

In the Super Eights, the West Indies will face 2024 champion India, 2024 runner-up South Africa, and Zimbabwe, which knocked out Australia.

"We'll have to find ways to be more forceful when the crunch time comes,” Hope said. “We have batting depth but we need to be smart. Need to be clinical with strokeplay. Need to capitalize on deliveries. (We're) in good shape going into the Super Eights.”

Italy captain Harry Manenti said he was proud of their ability to stay in the fight, notably against full members England and the West Indies.

“We haven't played the perfect game despite showing promise in moments,” Manenti said. “It's important for all associate nations to be funded and well looked after, which is tough. If we keep getting support from the ICC, if we get more cricket, we'll get more competitive. Lack of games have hurt us (but) the more we play the higher are the chances to close out games like this.”

Sri Lanka chose to bat first against Zimbabwe in the day's second match in Colombo.

Afghanistan, which made the semifinals in 2024 and lost a thrilling double super over against South Africa this week, will meet Canada in its last Group D match.

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

Italy's Ali Hasan, left, appeals successfully for the wicket of West Indies' Brandon King, right, during the T20 World Cup cricket match between West Indies and Italy in Kolkata, India, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

Italy's Gian Piero Meade plays a shot during the T20 World Cup cricket match between West Indies and Italy in Kolkata, India, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

West Indies' Shamar Joseph bowls a delivery during the T20 World Cup cricket match between West Indies and Italy in Kolkata, India, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

West Indies' captain Shai Hope plays a shot during the T20 World Cup cricket match between West Indies and Italy in Kolkata, India, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

West Indies' captain Shai Hope hits a six during the T20 World Cup cricket match between West Indies and Italy in Kolkata, India, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

West Indies' captain Shai Hope, left, flips the coin for toss as Italy's captain Wayne Madsen looks on before the start of the T20 World Cup cricket match between West Indies and Italy in Kolkata, India, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

West Indies' captain Shai Hope right, shake hands with Italy's captain Wayne Madsen before the start of the T20 World Cup cricket match between West Indies and Italy in Kolkata, India, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)