Nikki Garrett is off to a flying start in China after firing a first round of six-under-par 66 in the Suzhou Taihu Ladies Open and is just one off the lead.

Garrett’s round was flawless round and included six birdies at the second, fourth, 10th, 15th, 16th and 18th holes of the Suzhou Taihu International golf course.

“I hit my iron shots pretty close today so I had a 15 or 20 footer on the ninth and that was the longest putt all day so I hit my irons pretty nicely,” said the former Spanish and Tenerife Open champion.

“I missed a few putts but I didn’t get angry or frustrated or anything. I knew that if I kept hitting it close a few would drop and I was lucky they did, so an all round solid day.”

The NSW’s player is chasing Italy’s Veronica Zorzi, England’s Holly Cyburn and South African Ashleigh Simon. Zorzi was out in the morning wave under mild and slightly cloudy conditions, while the Cyburn and Simon played in the afternoon wave.

Garrett is outright fourth at six-under, with four players at five-under and right in the mix. One of the players at five-under is defending champion Carlota Ciganda.

It was a great opening round for the large Aussie contingent. Kristie Smith (68) is tied for ninth position after a very early start, which saw her warm up under floodlights. Bree Arthur was also out bright and early and posted a three-under 69 and is tied for 13th. Sarah Kemp (70) and Rebecca Artis (70) share 22nd position.

46 players are better than even par after the opening round. Stacey Keating and Lindsey Wright are both tied 47th position after posting an even par rounds. Even par is the current projected cut number. Frances Bondad is one shot outside projected cut and tied for 63rd, while Stephanie Na (75) and Ashlee Dewhurst (76) have some work to do to make it through to the final round.