Christie Kerr leads Women's U.S. Open

BETHLEHEM, Pa., July 10 (UPI) -- Christie Kerr used a 1-under-par 70 Friday to forge a one-stroke lead over Paula Creamer through 36 holes at the U.S. Women's Open in Bethlehem, Pa.

Kerr, the 2007 Open winner, has a two-round total of 3-under 139, spurred by three straight birdies from holes 15-17. She opened her second round with bogeys at the first and second.

"It feels great," Kerr said. "It's great to know that I've won one (and) I feel very comfortable."

Creamer, gunning for her first major championship, shot 3-under 68 Friday for a 36-hole total of 2-under 140.

"I didn't hit the ball quite as well as I envisioned," Creamer said about her second round. "Mentally, I'm pretty tired."

Jean Reynolds shot 1-over 72 and, at 1-under 141, is the only other player under par after 36 holes on the difficult Saucon Valley golf course.

World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa shot 8-over 79 and is 6-over 148, nine strokes back.