Intro:

Japan's Ayako Uehara held a single shot lead after day one of the Women's British Open at Royal Birkdale on Thursday (10 July).

Script:

The 2014 Women's British Open got underway at Royal Birkdale in Southport on Thursday

Ayako Uehara of Japan recovered from a bogey on the first hole to take the lead after day one.

Five birdies - including three in a blistering four-hole spell - and no further dropped shots saw her reach the clubhouse in 68, four-under-par.

Hot on her heels was Mo Martin.

Despite an erratic start to her round, the American finished strongly with three birdies in the last four holes.

That was enough to see her home in 69, three-under-par, to lie a single shot off the lead heading into day two.

In contrast, Martin's U.S. compatriot Morgan Pressel made a strong start to lay down an early marker.

She was three under par after 11 holes, but two late bogeys saw Pressel fall back somewhat.

Despite that, she carded an impressive 70, to lie two shots off the lead.