Stanford shoots career round on LPGA Tour

SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN, Ariz., March 27 (UPI) -- Angela Stanford produced the best round to date of her LPGA Tour career Thursday to move three shots in front after one round of the Safeway International.

Stanford birdied 10 holes, shot a 62 and set an 18-hole record for the Superstition Mountain course. It was her lowest score on the tour by two shots.

"I guess that's what they call the zone. I found it today," said Stanford, whose only win came five years ago. "It was one of those days that you can't even get in your own way."

Stanford, who lost to Hilary Lunke in a playoff at the 2002 U.S. Women's Open, was out in front of world No. 1 Lorena Ochoa.

Ochoa's 65 put her in position to win this tournament for a second straight year.

Sherri Steinhauer was alone in third at 66, while those at 67 included Yani Tseng, Karen Stupples, Jee Young Lee and Heather Young. Annika Sorenstam was tied for 11th place after a 69.

Stanford shot a 6-under 30 on the front nine.

"I looked up and it said six (under) and I thought, 'I've only played nine holes.' That was the first time that it hit me," she said.