Wie & Park Share Lead in Manulife Financial LPGA Classic


Michelle Wie and defending champion Hee Young Park of South Korea each fired 6-under 65s to tie for the 18-hole lead in the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic. The $1.5 million, 72-hole event began Thursday at Grey Silo Golf Course in Waterloo, Ont.

The 24-year-old Wie carded seven birdies and a bogey, while Park, who edged American Angela Stanford on the third sudden-death playoff hole last year in the Canadian tournament, posted four birdies on the front nine and two more on the back.

The round by Wie continued her fine season so far. In addition to winning the LPGA Lotte Championship in April for her third career win, Wie has had six top-10 finishes on the year, earning $821,994.

One stroke behind the co-leaders is China's Shanshan Feng, while two back are Feng's countrywoman Xi Yu Lin and American Cristie Kerr.

Three behind are Australia's Sarah Kemp, Japan's Haru Nomura, Mexico's Alejandra Llaneza, Spain's Belen Mozo, Chile's Paz Echeverria, South Koreans Na Yeon Choi, Jee Young Lee and So Yeon Ryu, and Americans Moira Dunn, Kristy McPherson, Marina Alex and Jacqui Concolino.

No 1.-ranked Stacy Lewis opened with a 69. Last week Lewis won the ShopRite LPGA Classic in New Jersey by a convincing six strokes over fellow American Christina Kim. Also shooting 69 Thursday was South Korea's Inbee Park, who Lewis replaced at No. 1.

New Zealand's Lydia Ko, ranked No. 3, shot a 71.

The lowest-scoring Canadian was Brooke Henderson, a 16-year-old amateur from Smiths Falls, Ont., who has already qualified for the U.S. Women's Open at Pinehurst in two weeks.

For all the scores, visit www.lpga.com.