Webb takes early advantage

Karrie Webb, the women's golf money leader and winner of six titles this year, fired a 6-under 66 today for the first-round lead in the $1.8 million Evian Masters.

Webb's fine performance came after a bad showing last week at the Rochester International, where the Australian finished outside the top six for the first time this year.

In sunny, windless conditions, Webb had seven birdies with only one putt over 10 feet, over the 6,091-yard Royal Evian course. She dropped her only shot when she failed to get up-and-down from the left trap at the par 3 17th.

Then her birdie putt at the 18th hit, jumped, and stayed out.

``But I'm happy with 6-under,'' Webb said. '' I played here twice before and local knowledge helps. Particularly reading the grain of the greens which runs towards the lake. And the greens are a key here.''

Webb has won in Japan, Australia and four times on the LPGA Tour this year.

Grace Park shot 67 for second place. The Phoenix-based Korean, who recorded her first U.S. Tour win this year and is leading the rookie points race, was happy with a consistent round.

``I made no mistakes and struck the ball well,'' Park said. ``My first win has made a huge difference to my confidence.''

Americans Sherri Steinhauer and Nancy Scranton each carded 68s to tie for third. Scranton hit every fairway and missed only one green.

Kelly Robbins and Michele Redman shot 69s, along with England's Joanne Morley and Carin Koch, Sweden's Sophie Gustafson and Canada's Lorie Kane.

England's Laura Davies, Americans Dottie Pepper and Meg Mallon, Sweden's Annika Sorenstam, and Japan's Akiko Fukushima finished with 70s.

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