KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Feng Shanshan opened her Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia title defence in solid fashion with a five-under 66 to sit one stroke off the lead after the first round on Thursday.

Alison Lee of the United States and Lin Xiyu of China shared the lead at 65 after starting with a slew of birdies and hanging on after a three-hour rain delay disrupted play.

Feng, the Chinese world No. 7, kept the pace with six birdies of her own at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.

"Overall I think I did well to score five under. I'm happy I did not have too much pressure during the round and still brought out my A-Game," said Feng.

Michelle Wie, who like Lee played a role in the United States' emotional Solheim Cup victory over Europe last month, was among three players also at 66.

World No. 1 Inbee Park carded a 71 with three birdies on an otherwise clean card.

Second-ranked Lydia Ko, who at age 18 became the youngest women's Major winner at the Evian Championship last month, double-bogeyed the 11th hole and followed with a bogey on the next.

She ended the day on even par along with a pack of golfers including 2013 winner Lexi Thompson.