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Ernst leads LPGA, Ko atop Park in fight for top spot

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Austin Ernst of the United States plays a shot on the 16th hole of the Tour Championship on November 19, 2015 in Naples, Florida (AFP Photo/Sam Greenwood)

Naples (United States) (AFP) - American Austin Ernst, seeking only her second LPGA title, fired a six-under 66 Thursday to grab a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the season-ending Tour Championship.

And while the 23-year-old world number 53 was charging to the lead, New Zealand teen star Lydia Ko fired a 69 to help tighten her grip on the world number one ranking ahead of South Korean Park In-Bee, who opened on 71 to share 22nd.