PHOENIX, March 22 (UPI) -- Young Jo and Catriona Matthew both shot four-under 68s Thursday to take the lead in the first round of the Safeway International in Arizona.
Rain was a surprising element in the desert Thursday as a passing thunderstorm halted play for two hours. The round was suspended less than two hours later due to darkness, requiring more than half the field to be up at dawn Friday to resume play.
Young Jo began the day with a three-putt bogey, but then knocked off seven consecutive birdies to get back in contention.
Matthew played a steady round that included to birdy putt on 18 to grab a share of the lead.
LPGA Player of the Year Lorena Ochoa shot a 68 as did Mi Hyun Kim. Beth Bader carded a 70 while veteran and defending champ Julie Inkster turned in a 71.
