SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Sherri Steinhauer kept the lead Friday at the State Farm Classic in Springfield, Ill., while Annika Sorenstam stormed into contention with a 7-under 65.
Sorenstam -- the defending champion, who has been replaced as the No. 1 player in women's golf by Lorena Ochoa -- posted her lowest 18-hole score in 11 months.
Steinhauer shot a 66 Friday and her 36-hole total of 11-under 133 gave her a two-shot lead over Christina Kim (66). Sorenstam was another shot back, alone in third place, despite two three-putt bogeys.
"I thought I played flawless today," said Sorenstam, who missed only two greens in regulation at the Panther Creek course. "I was never really in trouble."
Mi Hyun Kim (67) and Marcy Hart (69) shared fourth place at 137 while Janice Moodie (69) and Ai Miyazato (70) were among those at 138.
Ochoa is skipping this event as part of a month-long break.
