Lydia Ko has turned back the clock with a storming finish to her opening round at the latest LPGA Tour event in California.
The Kiwi former world No.1 shot birdies on five of her last nine holes to record a four-under 68 at the Kia Classic in Carlsbad and be one shot off the clubhouse lead held by Nicole Broch Larsen of Denmark.
It represents a much-needed glimmer of form the 20-year-old, who has slid to 15th in the world rankings.
Ko is winless for nearly two years and missed the cut last week in Phoenix following a steady but unspectacular start to the season.
More difficulties appeared to loom when she opened, on the back nine, with bogeys on holes 11 and 15.