Sybase Classic 2006

"We will finish the first and second rounds, make the cut and then assess the situation for whether we will play 54 or 72 holes," said Sue Witters, the LPGA's manager of tournament competitions. "The forecast is a little better for tomorrow."

Natalie Gulbis, Beth Bauer and Hee-Won Han all carded 3-under 68s on Thursday before rain and darkness forced suspension of play. Sun Young Yoo was 2 under with one hole to play and was tied with Allison Hanna, Nancy Scranton, Kim Saiki and Teresa Lu, who all had opening 69s.

"We're supersaturated at this point," course superintendent Mike Scott said, holding a squeegee on the first fairway. "We've had 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) of rain over the last four days. We're maxed out because the low-lying areas hold water here. We have 10 guys pushing the water off."

The $1.3 million tournament, with a first prize of $195,000, was shortened to 54 holes by rain in 2000 when Annika Sorenstam won it for the second time.

American teenager Paula Creamer opened the defense of her title with a 1-over 72, a much more impressive score considering she was 5 over after 11 holes.

"It's kind of upsetting but there's nothing I can about do, I can't control the weather," Creamer said on Friday. "After the strong finish I was really excited for today."

The prospect of having to play 36 holes on Sunday didn't faze Creamer, who turns 20 in August.

"I've always been pretty tough out on the golf course. It's all about grinding," she said. "I like playing in bad conditions, that's when you grind. I would love to play 36 if we're going to be able to do that."

She wouldn't mind if the weather didn't turn perfect, either.

"I won in the rain before and I can do it again," she said. "Bad conditions will let you work your way up the leaderboard."

Sorenstam, coming off a missed cut for the first time since 2002, also had an opening 72.