NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C., May 8 (UPI) -- Rosie Jones and Sophie Gustafson of Sweden each carded a 6-under-par 66 Thursday for a share of the first-round lead at the Asahi Ryokuken International Championship.
Jones had a roller coaster day with an eagle, seven birdies and three bogeys at the Mount Village Plantation Golf Club. She matched her lowest score of the year -- a 66 in the third round of the season-opening Welch's/Fry's Championship.
Winless since claiming her 12th career title two years ago, the 43-year-old Jones is looking to become the first American to triumph on tour this season. This is the eighth event of the year.
Fellow Americans Pat Hurst (67), Laura Diaz and Wendy Ward (68) were within two shots of the lead.
Gustafson played bogey-free en route to her 66 -- a stroke off her best round of the season. She has finished sixth or better twice and no worse than 15th in her last four starts.
Currently dating LPGA Tour commissioner Ty Votaw, Gustafson is seeking her fourth career title and first in two years.
Defending champion Janice Moodie of Scotland was among five players to shoot 69.
Se Ri Pak of Korea was tied for 60th at 73.
Swedish superstar Annika Sorenstam is taking the week off as she continues preparations for a historic PGA Tour appearance later this month at the Colonial.
