CLIFTON, N.J. — Two days after announcing this would be her final season on the LPGA Tour, Annika Sorenstam shot a 5-under-par 67 on Thursday for a share of the first- round lead in the Sybase Classic.
“I’m just very happy the way I’m playing,” said the 37-year-old Hall of Famer, who has three victories this year after failing to win during an injury-marred 2007 season. “I worked really hard this winter and it’s all coming together.”
Song-Hee Kim also was at 67 along with Rachel Hetherington.
Two-time defending champion Lorena Ochoa was a stroke back.
• Coming off a final-round meltdown at The Players Championship, Kenny Perry endured a steady and occasionally driving rain to claim a share of the first-round lead with a 6-under 66 at the AT&T Classic in Duluth, Ga.
The other leaders were former University of Colorado athlete Jonathan Kaye, Jonathan Byrd, Ryan Palmer and Parker McLachlin.
Play was suspended because of darkness with 35 players remaining on the course. The round will be completed this morning.
• Richard Green birdied three of the last five holes for a 6-under 66 and a share of the lead with Jeev Milka Singh after the first round of the Irish Open in Adare, Ireland.
