Laura Davies leads on windy opening day

Laura Davies showed no hangover from losing on the final hole last weekend, making seven birdies for a 7-under 65 Friday that gave her a one-stroke lead after a windy first day at the Mizuno Classic.

On Sunday at the Honda LPGA Thailand, Suzann Pettersen had an eagle on the final hole to beat Davies by a stroke and deny the 44-year-old English player her first LPGA Tour title since 2001.

"I think that was the closest I've been to actually crying on the golf course for a very long time, I was so disappointed," Davies said on Friday. "... When her putt went in, it was just like someone had kicked me in the stomach, it was just an awful feeling."

Japan's Chie Arimura and American Reilley Rankin are one back of Davies, who had birdies on three of the first four holes and finished with five on the front nine, including 20-footer on the par-4, 375-yard third.

"It's all about putting for me," Davies said. "I normally play solid golf. I hit a high percentage of greens, it's whether I putt well or not. Last week, in Thailand, I putted really well and, today, I putted fantastic.

"I think I had 26 putts, which might be my lowest of the year. The driver's been a big thing. I've been driving so far and pretty straight; I missed a few fairways today, but not many."

Rankin, who had birdies on Nos. 15 and No. 17, could have had a share of the lead but missed a 2-foot par putt on No. 14 at the 6,506-yard Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club.

"I think the greens are just going to keep improving and get firmer and faster," Rankin said. "It's a good golf course, it's fun to play. A lot of uphill -- it feels like you're always hitting your second shot uphill and the wind can be tricky."

Erin Hara shot a 67, Mie Nakata had a 68 and Brittany Lang was among a group of four at 69.

Australian Karrie Webb, who ended Annika Sorenstam's Mizuno Classic winning streak at five last year, got off to a slow start with a 73. Sorenstam is not competing this weekend.

Davies is confident she has a shot at ending her LPGA Tour title drought at the Mizuno Classic.

"My brother asked me last night when I called home, he said, 'What do you think? Can you do well?' I said, 'Well, last year, I didn't have a great finish, but I was comfortable with the course, so yes, I think I can do well."'