Sport

Tseng and |Hull lead|in Open

July 30, 2010 Edition 2

SOUTHPORT: Taiwan's Yani Tseng, a two-time major winner, and Australia's Katherine Hull both eagled the final hole to share the lead after the first round of the Women's British Open at Birkdale.

The pair carded four-under-par 68s to finish one ahead of two South Koreans, Yang Amy and Yoo Sun Young, American Brittany Linciome and Anne-Lise Caudal, of France.

Michelle Wie was another to finish birdie, par and shot 70, while world No 1 Shin Jiyai raised her hopes of repeating her 2008 win at Sunningdale with a 71.

Tseng, the only player not to drop a shot in the testing windy conditions, birdied the long 17th and then holed a 20-foot eagle putt at the par-five 18th.

Hull had an even more stunning three at the final hole when she bolted home a putt from 60 feet.

Whereas challenging for a |major is new territory for Hull - her only win on the LPGA Tour came in the 2008 Canadian Open - Tseng won the 2008 LPGA Championship and this year's Kraft Nabisco Championship.

"I just love it here," said the 22 year-old of the links course.

A big hitter, Tseng hit every green in regulation or better on a day when a firm breeze helped to set a stern test. - Sapa-AFP