Sandra Gal leads Women's British Open

LANCASHIRE, England, July 30 (UPI) -- Sandra Gal, seeking her first victory in her second year on the LPGA Tour, shot a 3-under 69 Thursday to lead after one round at the Women's British Open.

Gal had a late tee time and played in some of the worst of the windy weather at the Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club.

She had a one-shot lead in the final major women's tournament of the year over Angela Stanford and Song-Hee Kim. Yuko Mitsuka and Hee Young Park were tied for fourth at 71. Maria Hjorth was alone in sixth at 72.

Michelle Wie, who also is looking for her first LPGA Tour title, shot a 73 to tie for seventh. A victory would ensure Wie's participation on the American team in the Solheim Cup.

"I felt pretty good with the way I played today," Wie said. "The wind was strong. It was a tough day."

World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa, winner of this tournament two years ago, shot a 75 and was tied for 24th. U.S. Women's Open champion Eun Hee Ji was at 76. Defending champion Jiyai Shin and Kraft Nabisco winner Brittany Lincicome both had 77.

Gwladys Nocera, a two-time European Solheim Cup team member, shot a 91.

Gal took the lead by hitting a 4-iron to within five feet for birdie at the par-4 17th.