Hinako Shibuno produced the best opening round to take the lead at the Women's Open ©Getty Images

Japan's Hinako Shibuno, who won the Women's Open in 2019, is the leader of this year's edition after one round at Muirfield.

The world number 41 finished six strokes under par, one better than her closest rival Jessica Korda.

Shibuno's round included four birdies in the first five holes.

American Korda carded only one birdie in a five-under 66.

Hot on their tracks are Scotland’s Louise Duncan and Mexico's Gaby Lopez.

Both are four under, two shots off the lead.

Five golfers finished on three under par - Sweden’s Maja Stark, South Korea’s Chun In-gee, France’s Céline Boutier, England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff and Australia Minjee Lee.

Lee won the US Women's Open earlier this year and Chun the Women's Professional Golfers Association of America Championship.

Defending champion Anna Nordqvist of Sweden struggled greatly on the first day, finishing three over par to leave herself with an uphill battle.

Japan's Ayaka Furue, who won the Scottish Open last week, did not fair any better as she finished four over.

Muirfield is staging the event for the first time after it finally voted to allow women members in 2017.

The decision was made only after the course was banned from hosting the men's Open.

The Women's Open is due to continue tomorrow, with three more rounds scheduled.