Date: April 03, 2009
Author: PA Sport

Hull on pace with leaders

Katherine Hull has carded a three-under-par 69 to sit in a tie for sixth place after the first round of the Kraft Nabisco Championship – the first Major of the LPGA Tour season. The Australian, who finished second at the HSBC Women&aposs Champions last month, is three strokes behind Brittany Lincicome, whose six-under round saw her take a one-shot lead heading into day two. But Hull&aposs day could have been so much better if not for a disastrous seven on the par-four third hole. Lincicome, meanwhile, hit 16 greens in regulation as she picked up six birdies against two bogeys at the Mission Hills Country Club. Americans Angela Stanford and Brittany Lang and Ji Young-oh of South Korea are tied for second after carding 67s. Kristy McPherson is two shots off the lead in fifth place after carding a four-under 68 while Hull is among a group of six players a further stroke behind. World No.1 Lorena Ochoa has plenty of work to do after carding a disappointing one-over 73, as did last-start winner Karrie Webb. The Mexican started on the 10th and was two-under at the turn following three birdies against one bogey on the short 17th. However, Ochoa was disappointing coming home as she carded three bogeys without picking up a shot. Making her first appearance at the tournament in three years, Michelle Wie is tied 18th after carding a one-under-par 71.