Date: September 21, 2012
Author: Omnisport

Thompson leads, Aussies well back

American Lexi Thompson has taken the first-round lead at the Navistar LPGA Classic after making a blistering start to the tournament. Thompson fired off a faultless nine-under 63 which comprised nine birdies, including three in a row between holes four and six, to take a two-stroke lead heading into the second round. Hee Young Park from South Korea and Thompson&aposs countrywoman Lizette Salas are equal second on seven under. That pair is followed by a group of five all on six under in a share of fourth spot. American trio Stacy Lewis, Amanda Blumenhurst and Wendy Ward, Englishwoman Karen Stupples and South Korea&aposs Mi Hyang Lee are all a stroke behind Park and Salas. Ward and Stupples both hit eagles at the 10th and 9th holes respectively. Sarah Jane Smith is the pick of the Australians on three under in a tie for 25th spot, while her compatriots Katherine Hull (two under) and Sarah Kemp (two over) are further back.