GLADSTONE, N.J., July 6 (UPI) -- Annika Sorenstam Thursday won her first-round match at the HSBC Women's World Match Play Championship in Gladstone, N.J.
Last week's Women's U.S. Open victor won two holes late to beat Virada Nirapathpongporn, 3 & 2.
"Today is a new day, new tournament, but I had a lot of people remind me of last week and congratulated me throughout the round which is very nice," said Sorenstam, the No. 1 seed. "That's nice, but here I am and what matters now and trying to stay focused in the moment."
Second-seeded Michelle Wie, competing in her first match-play event as a professional, beat Candy Hannemann, 5 & 3.
Also advancing were current earnings leader, No. 3 Lorena Ochoa; fourth-seeded Karrie Webb; Brandie Burton; Paula Creamer; Se Ri Pak; Juli Inkster; Morgan Pressel; and No. 13 Pat Hurst, who lost to Sorenstam in an 18-hole playoff on Monday.
