Golf: Suzann Pettersen and MJ Hur hit the front

NORWAY'S Suzann Pettersen and South Korea's MJ Hur both carded six-under-par 66s to claim a share of the lead after the first round of the season-opening Honda PTT LPGA Thailand today.

Pettersen, who won the tournament in 2007, shot four birdies and an eagle on her last hole while Hur picked up seven birdies against one bogey to move into a one-stroke lead at the Siam Country Club. Japan's Ai Miyazato and South Korean duo Kim Song-hee and Park Hee-young were tied third on five under after shooting matching 67s.

Defending champion and world No 1 Lorena Ochoa was in contention after a blemish-free round that yielded three birdies left the Mexican three shots off the pace on three under 69.

Catriona Matthew, the Ricoh Women's British Open champion, and England's Laura Davies are both a further stroke behind on two under while 20-year-old American Michelle Wie, making her debut at the tournament, shot an even-par 72.

• Paul Doherty and Elliot Saltman shared fourth place in the Hi5 Pro Tour's Polaris Condado Open in Spain yesterday.

Former Scottish Boys' champion Doherty closed with a one-under 71 for a one-under 215 and was joined on that mark by Saltman who signed off with a 72.

The Scottish duo finished six shots behind the 2006 Open silver medalist, Marius Thorp of Norway, who eased to a three-stroke victory with a 69 for 209.