Spain's Carlota Ciganda bounced back from her disqualification at the Evian Championship with a fine start to tie the early lead at the Women's British Open at Walton Heath on Thursday.

Ciganda shot a two-under-par 70 to share the clubhouse lead with Mexico's Gaby Lopez and Japan's Nasa Hataoka.

Ciganda was disqualified at the Evian Championship when she failed to accept a two-shot penalty for slow play.

She refused to sign her card for the two extra shots.

"I was a little quicker on the greens today," said a player who has had 10 top-10 finishes in majors but never a win.

"We've been practising the routine and we were waiting a few holes today for the group in front, so I think we did a good job.

"You have to understand that it's professional and we are playing golf for a living. If you get into tough situations it's going to take longer.

"They say the time starts when you are ready to play, but it is very subjective.

"If they put a referee with every group, a lot of girls will get penalised and sometimes it's not fair. I know I'm not quick, but I think there a lot of slow players."

Ciganda had three birdies and a bogey to set the pace, and just one shot behind on one under was home favourite Charley Hull.

World No 1 Nelly Korda opened with a one-over-par 73.

"The greens were very tricky, but it is an OK start," said the American.