Career round gives Alfredsson Sybase lead

CLIFTON, N.J., May 14 (UPI) -- Helen Alfredsson fired the lowest round of her 18-year professional career Thursday, a 10-under 62 that gave her the lead at the Sybase Classic.

Alfredsson overcame chilly, rainy conditions to take a two-shot advantage over Brittany Lincicome, whose 64 was also her career best.

"When you play good, you wonder why you don't do this all the time because it's so easy," said Alfredsson, 44. "It's not strenuous, your head is not going crazy, your body doesn't hurt. At my age, all that stuff usually comes along with it. So you don't know why."

Her round was highlighted by a 70-yard shot on the par-5 11th that found the cup for an eagle. The 62 was an 18-hole tournament record and included a three-putt par at the 18th.

Lincicome is already a winner on the LPGA Tour this year, having captured the first major of the season at the Nabisco Championship.

Suzann Pettersen shot a 65 to stand alone in third after one round at the Upper Montclair County Club and Ji Young Oh was fourth with a 66.

Karrie Webb, Michelle Wie, Natalie Gulbis and Paula Creamer were part of the large group at 70, tied for 10th, and defending champion Lorena Ochoa had a 71.