Hall, the winner of the 2018 British Open, produced a seven-under-par round of 65 at the Royal Greens Golf Club.

The 24-year-old had been among the early starters on the opening day and impressed with a bogey-free round.

"I was pleased with today and took advantage of the morning tee time," Hall said.

"It was pretty windy on the back-nine but I’m happy with my score.

"I am very focused this week.

"It’s only day one but I wanted a good start and I will go back to the range and prepare for tomorrow."

Wales' Lydia Hall lies in second place, one shot behind the leader.

Finland's Ursula Wikstrom and Denmark's Emily Pedersen are tied for third place.

The duo achieved five-under-par rounds.

A prize fund of $1 million (£760,000/€846,000) is on offer at the tournament.

The Saudi Ladies International is scheduled to be followed by the Saudi Ladies Team International from November 17 to 19, which is worth $500,000 (£380,000/€423,000).

Competition is being held in a COVID-19 secure bubble, with organisers planning to conduct more than 1,500 coronavirus tests, including at least three each for the players, caddies and tournament staff.

No spectators will be allowed into either of the events in Saudi Arabia.

The tournament marks the first major women's golf event held in the country.

Saudi Arabia has received widespread international criticism of women's rights in the country.

Women were finally given the right to drive in 2018 and the strict male guardianship system has been relaxed, but Amnesty International still describes "systematic discrimination" and Government critics remain in jail.