Rookie leads on LPGA Tour

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WATERLOO, Ontario, June 21 (UPI) -- Rookie Sandra Changkija shot an 8-under 63 Thursday that gave her a three-shot advantage in the rain-delayed Manulife Financial LPGA Classic.

A lightning-packed storm moved into the area during the afternoon and forced a suspension of play. Half of the 144 players in the field were unable to complete the opening round of a tournament being played for the first time.

Changkija was part of the first group off the 10th tee in the morning and wound up breaking 70 for the first time in her young LPGA Tour career. She has missed the cut in five of her seven previous tournaments.

Shanshan Feng, who captured the LPGA Championship two weeks ago, also finished her round early and shared second place after shooting a 5-under 66. Anna Nordqvist was at 5-under with five holes to play.

Suzann Pettersen, Karin Sjodin, Angela Stanford and Lacey Agnew were tied for fourth at 67 and Pat Hurst was among those at 68.

When play was halted, no one still on the course, other than Nordqvist, had a score better than 2-under. Paula Creamer and Lexi Thompson were both 2-under with six holes remaining.

Michelle Wie, who has missed the cut in four of her last five events, shot a season-best 71.