Hjorth and Redman lead Longs Drugs Challenge, but Creamer struggles

10/10/2008

Nearly five months pregnant, Sweden's Maria Hjorth shot a 6-under 66 on Thursday for a share of the first-round lead with Michele Redman in the LPGA Tour's Longs Drugs Challenge.

Hjorth matched Redman with seven birdies and a bogey on a sunny day at Blackhawk Country Club. In-Kyung Kim and Mikaela Parmlid were tied for second at 67.

Norway's Suzann Pettersen, a playoff winner over top-ranked Lorena Ochoa last year at Blackhawk, was two strokes back at 68 along with LPGA Championship winner Yani Tseng, Sarah Lee, Sarah Kemp, Meaghan Francella, Reilley Rankin and Wendy Ward.

Winless this year, Pettersen had a chance to tie for the lead on her final hole, but three-putted for a bogey.

Ochoa, a seven-time winner this year, opened with a 70. Santa Cruz resident Juli Inkster, the Hall of Famer who won in 1999 and 2000 at Twelve Bridges, also had a 70.

Bay Area star Paula Creamer, the Samsung World Championship winner last week at Half Moon Bay, had two double bogeys and an eagle in a 74.
Ai Miyazato, coming off a victory Sunday in the Japan Women's Open, shot a 72.

Leaderboard – Round 1:

1. Maria Hjorth                    66 - 6
    Michele Redman             66 - 6
3. In-Kyung Kim                 67 - 5
    Mikaela Parmild              67 - 5
5. Sarah Lee                      68 - 4
    Sarah Kemp                   68 - 4
    Meaghan Francella          68 - 4
    Wendy Ward                  68 - 4
    Yani Tseng                    68 - 4
    Reilley Rankin                68 - 4

Source: AP, LPGA Tour