Lee holes bunker shot to set pace with Lewis

AMERICAN Stacy Lewis and Lee Seon-hwa of South Korea both fired rounds of four-under 68 to share the early lead at the LPGA Championship at Locust Hill.

On an ever-shifting day of gusty winds, grey skies, sunshine and pouring rain, Lee holed a bunker shot for birdie at the last, one group after Lewis rolled in an eight-foot birdie on the same par-three to jump into the lead.

Both Lewis and Lee began their rounds on the 10th tee in the 150-player field in the year's second women's major.

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The co-leaders also shared eagles made from the fairways of the tight parkland layout. Lewis holed out at the par-5 11th from 86 yards with a wedge, while Lee found the hole with her 8-iron from 127 yards at the par-4 12th.

Park In-bee of South Korea, the 2008 US Women's Open champion, was one stroke off the pace after a three-under-par 69 that also included an eagle and featured some confounding putting.

One of the most rousing rounds was posted by American Julie Inkster, who reached four- under-par through 12 holes on her 50th birthday before slipping to a one-under 71.

Catriona Matthew opened with a 72, four better than the new women's world, No 1 Ai Miyazato. Janice Moodie was level-par after 11 holes.