(Gold Coast, Australia – February 24 2005) The hype surrounding the arrival of Japanese sensation Ai Miyazato before the $800,000 ANZ Ladies Masters began proved to be entirely justified as she equalled the course record with a nine under par 63 during the early play of the first round at Royal Pines GC on Australia’s Gold Coast.

The 19-year-old phenomenon from Okinawa played sits seven shots ahead of playing partner Karrie Webb, the joint record holder who carded a 63 in 1999 en route to setting the tournament record of 26-under par.