Sorenstam takes lead at Williamsburg

May 10, 2008 - 12:56 AM WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia (Ticker) -- Annika Sorenstam recorded her second consecutive bogey-free round on Friday to take a three-stroke lead in the $2.2 million Michelob ULTRA Open.

After recording seven birdies in Thursday's opening round, the Swede had five birdies to finish at 5-under-par 66 for the day and 12-under 130 after two rounds.

The former world No. 1 played well despite enduring a pair of rain delays and has put herself in good position for a second tournament win in three weeks. Sorenstam defeated Paula Creamer in a playoff two weeks ago at the Stanford International Pro-Am.

Starting on the back nine, Sorenstam birdied Nos. 12, 16 and 18. She added two more after the turn at 3 and 7.

"It was a long day," Sorenstam said. "When I was looking at the score, I could hardly remember what I did on the back nine, which is my front nine."

Sorenstam was especially pleased at being error-free thus far.

"I'm happy about that," the 37-year-old said. "I can't remember the last time that was, but anything can really happen on this course. I'm just trying to play smart. I'm trying to play conservative at times and aggressive at other times."

While Sorenstam is the former No. 1, the current top-ranked women's golfer is lurking in the shadows.

Lorena Ochoa, who had her string of five straight wins snapped last week, recorded five birdies on Friday and is tied with South Korean Jeong Jang for second place at 9-under.

Ochoa played a flawless back nine but recorded two bogeys on the front nine, including one on her final hole.

"I played good today," Ochoa said. "It was a solid day, especially from the tee. I bogeyed the last hole, but nothing we can do. It's one of those things. I'm right there, so I'm excited for the weekend and give myself a chance."

Meanwhile, Jang notched seven birdies - including four straight to finish her round - to pull even with Ochoa.

Jang's performance was impressive considering she has been hampered by a wrist injury.

"My goal was, I don't want to miss fairway because my wrist been hurting like over a year, so I play practice round Tuesday and was really long," Jang said.

Meanna Lee sank four birdies to pull into contention before a bogey on the 18th hole put her five strokes behind Sorenstam at 7-under 135.

Jimin Kang had an eventful day, notching three birdies and two eagles en route to a 2-under 69. She is tied for fifth with four others at 136.

The South Korean registered eagles at Nos. 3 and 15 but also bogeyed four holes. Kang had consecutive bogeys on 8 and 9, both par-4 holes.

Scotland's Mhairi McKay, who held a one-stroke lead after Thursday's first round, carded a 6-over 77 to fall into a tie for 33rd at 140.

First prize is $330,000.