Choi leads Samsung World Championship

HALF MOON BAY, Calif., Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Na Yeon Choi took the lead over her more heralded challengers Friday after two rounds of the Samsung World Championship at Half Moon Bay, Calif.

Although she did not win on the LPGA Tour this year, Choi became a member of the elite 20-player field this week because her eight top-10 finishes have made her the eighth-leading money winner on the circuit.

She shot a 71 in cold, windy conditions for a two-day total of 140 at the Ocean Course of the Half Moon Bay Golf Links.

World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa was in position to take the 36-hole lead, but she lost six shots to par over the closing holes. Nevertheless, Ochoa shot a 73 and was tied for second at 142 with Angela Stanford, Paula Creamer and Song-Hee Kim.

Those at 143 included Katherine Hull, Yani Tseng and first-round leader Ji-Yai Shin.

Annika Sorenstam, closing in on retirement, stumbled to a 77 and was at 146.

Despite her struggles at the end of the round, Ochoa said she was still in good position for what would be her eighth victory of the season.

"It was a mess out there," she said. "But I'm not going to be too hard on myself. It happens. It's only Friday. I'm not used to this cold weather."