Veteran Karrie Webb has set the pace after the opening round of the HSBC Women's Champions tournament at the Sentosa Golf Club on Thursday.

The Australian, 39, fired a six-under 66 for a one-shot lead on the Serapong course, where breezy conditions befuddled several top players.

"This was one of my most consistent ball-striking days of the year," said the 2011 tournament winner. "I'm not going to shoot six-under everyday so it's all about minimizing mistakes over the next couple of days."

Sharing second spot with a 67 are unheralded Swede Caroline Hedwall and world No. 11 Paula Creamer of the United States.

"I love that the course is windy because it makes you think and be creative," said Creamer, who has not won since the 2010 US Women's Open.

Hedwall, looking for her maiden LPGA Tour title, added: "I played really solid to keep giving myself birdie opportunities. I need to keep this up for another three days."

World No. 1 Park In Bee (70) is tied for seventh, while defending champion Stacy Lewis dug herself a hole with a 75.

Though she drew the biggest crowds, New Zealand prodigy Lydia Ko, 16, could only respond with a 73 for joint-27th place. Singapore's Amanda Tan, the tournament's youngest player at 14, is in last spot after a 79. There is no cut at the US$1.4 million (S$1.77 million) invitation-only event.