Rosales takes narrow advantage

Jennifer Rosales, who claimed her breakthrough win on the LPGA Tour in Atlanta in April, set her sights on a first major after taking the second-round lead in the U.S. Women's Open on Friday.

The 25-year-old from the Philippines fired a four-under 67 to finish on five-under 137, one stroke ahead of American Kim Saiki and Taiwan's Candie Kung, who both returned 68s.

But world number one Annika Sorenstam remained the title favourite on 139.

The Swede, who had to complete her opening-round 71 on Friday because of thunderstorms on the first day, added a 68 to move into joint fourth place with fellow countrywoman Carin Koch and Australia's Michelle Ellis at the Orchards Golf Club.

Fourteen-year-old amateur prodigy Michelle Wie was also in the championship hunt.

It was a rollercoaster ride for the tall Hawaiian schoolgirl but six birdies, three bogeys and a double-bogey six at the tough 16th hole added up to a 70 for 141 and a tie for ninth, four strokes off the pace.

Another amateur, 17-year-old Paula Creamer, was on the same mark after a 69.

Rosales is enjoying easily her best season on tour, occupying seventh position on the LPGA money list, and has already had a taste of being at the top of a leaderboard in a major this year.

The Los Angeles-based Filipino led after a first round 66 in the LPGA Championship but eventually finished tied 13th behind winner Sorenstam.

"At the LPGA Championship nothing happened for me over the final two rounds," Rosales told reporters.

"But hopefully this weekend will be different. I'm going to be more patient."

Sorenstam, who had to play two full rounds on the final day to win the weather-interrupted LPGA Championship three weeks ago, said her 21-hole marathon on Friday could be a blessing in disguise as she chased her third U.S. Open crown.

"I'm feeling tired and that could be a good thing," said the 1995 and 1996 champion.

"I'm trying to stay calm and conserve energy. Sometimes I get too excited and too pumped up because I want to win this title so much."

Wie was also confident she could join France's Catherine LaCoste (1967) by becoming an amateur winner of the trophy.

"The scores aren't going to be ridiculously low and if I can shoot one or two-under on Saturday and Sunday it might be good enough," said the teenager.

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