RANCHO MIRAGE, United States: China’s Feng Shanshan fired a six-under par 66 yesterday to take a one-stroke first-round lead at the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the first major of the LPGA season.
South Korean Hall-of-Famer Pak Se-Ri was tied for second with American Michelle Wie on five-under 67.
South Korean Amy Yang and teenaged amateur Angel Yin of the United States shared fourth place on four-under 68, while South Korean Shin Ji-Yai, American Cristie Kerr and Jenny Rosales of the Philippines were tied on 69.
World number one and defending champion Park In-Bee, who launched her remarkable run of three straight major titles in 2013 with victory in this event, struggled to a two-over 74 that left her tied for 46th.
Feng, playing in benign morning conditions in the California desert near Palm Springs, had seven birdies and one bogey on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course at Mission Hills Country Club.
“This morning it was playing easier because there was no wind,” Feng said. “This course, usually in the afternoon, the wind will pick up... once the wind picks up, it’s different.”
Things were clicking so well for Feng that she said she found the pin positions easy, although others, including Park, thought they were very challenging for a first round. REUTERS
