WILLIAMSBURG (Virginia): Swedish superstar Annika Sorenstam notched her second straight round without a bogey on Friday to seize a three-shot lead in the US$2.2 million (RM7 million) LPGA Michelob Ultra Open.

Annika, who notched seven birdies in the first round, had five on Friday in a five-under 66 that left her at 12-under 130.

The former World No 1 shrugged off two rain delays to put herself in position for a second tournament triumph in three weeks.

She beat Paula Creamer in a playoff two weeks ago at the Stanford International Pro-Am.

Annika teed off at No 10 and birdied Nos 12, 16 and 18. She added two more after the turn at three and seven.
"It was a long day," Annika said. "When I was looking at the score, I could hardly remember what I did on the back nine, which is my front nine."

Lurking behind the Swede is the current top women's golfer, Lorena Ochoa.

Mexico's Lorena, who had her string of four straight wins snapped last week, posted five birdies on Friday and was tied with South Korean Jeong Jang for second place at nine-under 133.

Lorena also started at the 10th and was flawless on the back nine, but had two bogeys coming in, including one on her final hole.

Meanwhile, Jeong notched seven birdies -- including four straight to finish her 66 -- to pull even with Lorena.

Jeong's performance was especially impressive given she has been hindered by a wrist injury.

Meena Lee sank four birdies, but closed with bogey at 18 for a 68 and a 135 total that put her five strokes behind the leader.

Scotland's Mhairi McKay, who held a one-stroke lead after Thursday's first round after a sparkling 63, ballooned to a 77 to fall into a tie for 33rd at 140. -- AFP