The world number one shot a score of 692 points, one more than her previous record, to finish top of the standings on the opening day of action in s-Hertogenbosch.

Chinese Taipei's Lei Chien-Ying was second on 680, the same total recorded by China's Zheng Yichai, who was third.

Kang's team-mates Choi Misun and Chang Hye-jin also finished in the top eight on a good day for the South Korean team.

"The weather conditions were so good on the field today," said Kang.

"The first half, I got 343 points so I wasn’t expecting a high score at the end. 

"But as the round continued, I was scoring very well.

"Near the end, there were many press people around me so I knew something was happening."

Kang's total also broke another world record as her score, combined with compatriot Lee Woo-seok's 696 points in men's recurve qualification, set a best mixed team ranking total.

It broke the previous mark by 20 points, while Lee's total was the highest he has recorded in his career.

Lee, who is competing at the Championships despite an illness scare which threatened his participation, topped the leaderboard in the men's event ahead of Brady Ellison.

The American scored 695 points to take second place as South Korea's Kim Woo-jin, Sjef van den Berg of The Netherlands, Mauro Nespoli of Italy, Chinese Taipei's Tang Chih-Chun and Brazil's Marcus D’Almeida completed the top eight.

The event is due to continue tomorrow.