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Zhong and Lu share one shot lead

China's Zhong Xiao Long and 2006 USLPGA rookie Teresa Lu of Chinese Taipei posted identical 4-under 69 (par-73 course) to share a one-stroke lead in the first round of the US$80,000 Hong Kong Ladies Master at the The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau's North Course, here today.

Thai amateur Pornanong Phatlum gave a good account of herself to match the professionals by returning a score of 3-under 70 to sit on third place, while another Chinese player Yang Hong Mei is in fourth place with a score of 71.

There was some cheers from hosts Hong Kong's Demi Mak. The 17-year-old amateur finished the day with a 2-over 75 and is tied on 8th place while her twin sister Ginger was blown away after ending her game on 82.

Zhong, 30, from Beijing embarked on a safe approach against the strong cold breeze that blew away most players who returned with high scores. "There was strong winds on the home stretch and I decided to play things safe," said Zhong, who leaves for Japan to play in the Q-school to earn a card to play in the Japan LPGA Tour.

Zhong who recorded six birdies, took advantage of all the par-5s to gain strokes but dropped two - one on each nine. "I was hitting the ball well and only missed one fairway. My iron shots went well and I'm happy with the way I played today," she said. In fact her flight mate Mary Grace Estuesta of the Philippines credited Zhong's play and said: "It was as if she and I were playing in two different courses."

Lu, who will ply here professional trade in the USLPGA from April onwards, was equally impressive. "It was a fun round I can tell you especially with the winds changing directions but I managed to get my act right and couldn't ask for more," she said.

Pornanong said she felt a little nervous at the start of play but gained confidence after hitting a couple of good shots. "I'm happy with my game and hope to put on a better show tomorrow," said the pint-sized lass from Hong Kong.

The big names in the field that Asa Gottmo, Anna Tybring and Linda Wessberg, Kirsty Sweden and India's Smriti Mehra also gave their best but found it hard to cope with the wind conditions.
Asa played par golf to be in sixth place, with Tybring is tied 7th with a score of 74 and Wessberg is tied 9th with a score of 75.

February 8, 2006