Zhang impressive in debut

Two-time NCAA champion Rose Zhang made her professional debut Thursday on the LPGA Tour, a solid opening round in the Mizuho Americas Open in Jersey City, N.J. The 20-year-old from Stanford who dominated the women’s amateur rankings for more than two years shot a 2-under 70 at Liberty National in the shadow of New York. The Californian was five shots off the lead held by Lauren Hartlage, who shot a career-best 65. Aditi Ashok, the first player from India on the tour, was at 67 in a tournament where the focus shifted to Zhang last weekend with her announcement she was turning pro. Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand and Stephanie Meadow of Northern Ireland had 68s. Zhang didn’t dominate in her first round as a pro but she showed enough, making five birdies and three bogeys on a day her putter didn’t help her. Gaby Lopez (Arkansas Razorbacks) is at 2-under 70. Stacy Lewis (Razorbacks) turned in 3-over 75. Maria Fassi (Razorbacks) posted a 4-over 76.

Two tied in Germany

Maximilian Kieffer delighted home fans at the European Open with a 4-under 69 for a share of the lead after the first round. The 32-year-old Kieffer, bidding to be the first German winner on home soil for 15 years, carded five birdies and an eagle — offset by three bogeys — to share a one-stroke lead with Simon Forsstrom on Thursday. Forsstrom had five birdies and a bogey at Green Eagle Golf Courses. The Swedish player won his first tour victory at the Soudal Open in Belgium three weeks ago.