HAVRE DE GRACE, Md., June 7 (UPI) -- Reigning U.S. Women's Open champ Birdie Kim took a share of the lead Thursday in the opening round of the McDonald's LPGA Championship at Havre de Grace, Md.
Annika Sorenstam, meanwhile, got the best of Michelle Wie after criticizing Wie for withdrawing from last week's LPGA Tour event.
Kim fired a 5-under 67 at the Bulle Rock course to tie Kim Saiki-Maloney and Angela Park for the top spot. Karrie Webb, Morgan Pressel, Stacy Prammanasudh and Laura Davies were all at 68.
Sorenstam, playing in her second tournament since recovering from neck and back problems, shot a 70, while Wie rallied late in her round to shoot a 1-over 73. She was 4-over par with three holes to play.
Wie withdrew in the midst of a poor round last week at the Ginn Tribute -- a tournament for which Sorenstam served as host. Wie said she had not fully recovered from a sprained wrist, but Sorenstam said Wie showed a lack of "respect and class" by withdrawing.
LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens went on record this week agreeing with Sorenstam.
