England's Alice Rhodes surged to the top of the leaderboard after the opening round of the PIF Saudi Ladies International, the inaugural event of the Ladies European Tour season. The 24-year-old carded a flawless six-under-par 66 at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, featuring five birdies and no bogeys to share the early lead with South Africa's Lee-Anne Pace.

Rhodes, who secured her maiden LET victory at last season's South African Women's Open, demonstrated exceptional form with precise iron play and steady putting on the challenging 6,401-yard course. The tournament marks the first time the Ladies European Tour has visited Saudi Arabia, with a $1 million prize purse attracting a strong international field including major champions and Solheim Cup stars.

With wind conditions expected to intensify over the coming days, Rhodes' bogey-free round could prove crucial. The England international's early charge sets up an intriguing battle for the title, though she remains focused on maintaining consistency through the weekend's final two rounds.