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Mexico’s Lorena Ochoa showed why she is the undisputed World No. 1
03.08.2007
Ochoa carded six birdies in a flawless round to go into the second round two shots ahead of Sweden’s Louise Friberg and Korea’s In-Bee Park and three in front of England’s Rebecca Hudson and Japan’s Ai Miyazato.
America’s Brittany Lincicome and Australia’s Joanne Mills both recorded two under par rounds of 71 while defending champion, America’s Sherri Steinhauer, and former World No. 1, Annika Sorenstam, both defied the strong afternoon wind to join the large group on one under par 70.
Ochoa has won three times on this season’s LPGA and she made a perfect start to her quest for a first Major title when she hit a 50-degree wedge into ten feet on the 514-yard par-5 5th and then holed the putt for a birdie.
The Mexican went on to card three successive birdies from the 8th and then polished off her round with further advances on the 414-yard par-4 15th and the 453-yard par-5 where she hit the green in two with a 5-iron and then two-putted from about 30-feet.
“It was one of those days when everything seemed easy,” said Ochoa. “I was fortunate to get the best of the weather and was able to take advantage of that bit of luck with some good golf.
“I love my start,” she added. “You know, I believe in myself and was feeling good this morning. We are all so excited to be here at St Andrews and I’m just glad I did it right on my first try.”
Ochoa, Friberg, Hudson and Miyazato all had early starting times but Park, Sorenstam, Steinhauer and Park were less fortunate, having to contend with winds that sometimes gusted up to about 20 miles per hour.
“Maybe it’s an omen,” said defending champion Steinhauer who has won this title three times, in 1998, 1999 and last year. “At Lytham back in 1998, I started with an 81 in the wind but still managed to battle back to win. In that context, I’ve got to be pleased with a 72.”
Sorenstam, who has had a miserable season plagued by injuries, was equally delighted to break par, aided in no small part to a stroke of good fortune at the 18th where she drove onto the road, bounced back into play, chipped on and then holed out for a birdie from 7-feet.
“Obviously, I meant that,” she said, smiling. “Seriously, though, I’m thrilled. I thought I played very well today in difficult conditions. This golf course is very tough so it’s good to get at least one round under par. So far, so good.”
The best round of the afternoon was recorded by In-Bee Park, the Korean who finished tied fourth at the recent US Ladies’ Open at Pine Needles, North Carolina. She went out at 2.21 pm, when the wind was at its worst, dropped a shot at the second, but bounced back with birdies at the 4th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th to tie Friburg two shots of the lead.
“When I was one over after the second I thought even par would be a good round,” she admitted. “But I was able to throw out a lot of birdies on the back nines so that was great,”
“I’m delighted,” she added. “With all the history, I’m honoured to be here. It’s just a great experience.”
One of the most interesting statistics of the day concerned the 17th hole, known the world over as the Road Hole. Normally, it is regarded as one of the most feared par-4s in the world. This week, however, it is being played as a par-5 and on the first day it was the easiest hole on the course, with an average score of just over 4.6. Only three other holes had a score average under par, the 347-yard par-4 9th, the 523-yard par-5 14th and the 357-yard par-4 18th.
Second Round Tee times and full scoreboard available here
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