The Hindu : Sport / Golf : Rosales surges ahead

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Monday, Jul 05, 2004

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Sport - Golf

Rosales surges ahead

SOUTH HADLEY (MASSACHUSETTS), JULY 4. Jennifer Rosales surged ahead at the U.S. Women's Open with a 2-under 69, pumping her fists and slapping hands with her caddie as she walked off Orchard Golf Club with a three-shot lead over Sorenstam, Meg Mallon and Kelly Robbins.

Rosales was at 7-under 206 after a day when only seven players managed to break par on a gorgeous, summer afternoon in New England that began to dry out the fairways and put a higher premium on tee shots.

``I don't think it's hit me yet,'' Rosales said, still wearing her headband and tinted shades. ``When I get to my room and shower and chill out, that's when I'll think about it.''

The only other time Rosales had a 54-hole lead was two years ago at the Women's British Open at Turnberry. She was tied with Carin Koch, shot 73 and wound up four shots behind Karrie Webb.

Sorenstam recovered from two bogeys on the first four holes with a couple of bursts — consecutive birdies to make the turn at even par, then a 20-foot eagle putt on the par-5 13th and a shot out of the rough to 12 feet for birdie on the next hole.

Sorenstam wound up with a 70 and will play in the next-to-last group.

``I didn't get off to the start I wanted, but I kept grinding,'' Sorenstam said. ``One under is pretty good at the U.S. Open on Saturday.''

Mallon, born in Massachusetts and beloved everywhere because of her infectious, freckle-faced smile, turned in the best round of the day with a 67 that put her at 209 and in the final group with Rosales.

``It's a great mix of veterans, the No. 1 player in the world and players that want to be a professional some day,'' Mallon said. ``It's going to be a fun day tomorrow.''

Sorenstam will play with Robbins, who briefly shared the lead with four birdies on the front nine before finishing with a 68.

Rachel Teske (70) was at 210, while Michelle Ellis (72) was another stroke behind.

Fourteen-year-old Michelle Wie was in a group of quintet of players five strokes back and 11 players still under par.

She shot 71, including a triple bogey on the 18th.

Her drive bounced into the rough, her approach sailed into the gallery and she three-putted.

Wie has been in contention twice at the Kraft Nabisco Championship, but this major is different.

``Over here, you never know what's going to happen,'' Wie said. — AP

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