Save for hyphenated last names, there are few similarities between Marta Figueras-Dotti and Jackie Gallagher-Smith.

The former is from Spain, the latter from Indiana. Figueras-Dotti is 41 and a 16-year veteran of the LPGA tour. Her counterpart is 10 years younger and in her fifth season.

They did find common ground today, each shooting 6-under-par 66s to share the first-round lead in the Giant Eagle Classic.

"I haven't played in three weeks," said Figueras-Dotti, who is 143rd on the money list. "I was in Spain doing golf camps for children. I'm also fighting the flu, so this was one of those rounds you don't expect."

Eight players each were at 67 and 68 and defending champion Se Ri Pak was in a gang of 17 at 3-under 69.

Figueras-Dotti and Gallagher-Smith played similar rounds, each with birdies on Nos. 3, 5, 9, 17 and 18. Figueras-Dotti bogeyed the 384-yard, par-4 second hole, but made up for it by making birdie on Nos. 4 and 6.

"I hit 15 greens and the rest were fringes," Gallagher-Smith said. "I had a couple of drives I got a little lucky on.

"The greens are holding so well, you can trust your yardage and hit it there."

The co-leaders had early tee-times, and morning starts seemed to produce better scores as afternoon temperatures surpassed 90 degrees on the 6,308-yard, par-72 course Avalon Lakes Golf Course.

One stroke back at 5-under 67 were Lorie Kane, Angie Ridgeway, Melissa McNamara, Missie McGeorge, Cindy Figg-Currier, Jan Stephenson, Susie Redman and Dottie Pepper.

Pak is seeking her fourth victory in Ohio in four starts. She won last year's Classic and has two victories in the Jamie Farr at Toledo, the second coming earlier this month in the first six-player playoff in LPGA history.

Karrie Webb, second in earnings this season, may have trouble making the cut after shooting 77 today. Michelle McGann, the only two-time winner of the Classic, finished with a 76.

Three of the top five LPGA money leaders for the season are not in the field. Juli Inkster, who tops the list, third-ranked Meg Mallon and Annika Sorenstam (fourth) took the week off.

AP