Suzann Pettersen of Norway and M.J. Hur of South Korea each shot a
6-under 66 Thursday to share the lead after the first round of LPGA
Thailand, the season-opening event.
Pettersen had a bogey-free round, capped with an eagle on the
last hole. Hur had seven birdies and a bogey on the Old Course at
Siam Country Club.
Ai Miyazato, Kim Song-hee and Park Hee Young are one stroke
back at 67. Americans Cristie Kerr, Angela Stanford, Brittany
Lincicome and Stacy Lewis all shot 68s.
Top-ranked Lorena Ochoa, Karrie Webb and Paula Creamer had
69s. Creamer injured her left thumb on the 17th hole and walked off
the course in tears after completing the round.
Michelle Wie had a double-bogey on the 10th followed by a
bogey on the 11th, but finished with three birdies in the last four
holes for a 72.
Pettersen won the event in 2007 when she eagled the 18th to
beat Laura Davies after blowing a seven-stroke lead.
"Gave myself a lot of chances. Made some and tried to stay
patient," Pettersen said. "When it finally turns around, you're
able to make some moves."
Hur was pleased with her round, despite a chance to finish
with a 65. Her wedge shot from 70 yards hit the flagstick on the
18th hole and she missed a 15-foot birdie attempt.
"Some holes, I was unlucky," said Hur, who won her first
title at the Safeway Classic last year. "It hit the pin. I had a
really good shot, but it kicked out to the right and I made par."
Miyazato played in a group with Ochoa.
"She is one of my favorite players," she said. "We were
talking about our offseasons, about her wedding. She has a great
personality."
The tour will open its U.S. schedule March 25-28 with the Kia
Classic in Carlsbad, Calif.
