KAHUKU, Hawaii, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Annika Sorenstam, winless in 13 tries last year, opened her 2008 LPGA play with her 70th career victory Saturday at the SBS Open.
Sorenstam shot a 3-under 69 Saturday for a 10-under 206 and a two-stroke advantage over three runners-up.
"It's tough to express in words, but this means so much to me," said Sorenstam, who was limited to 13 events last year due to injury. "Last year was not a year that I want to remember inside the ropes. It was a struggling year for me. I was determined to comeback and my injury is in the past."
Laura Diaz, who hasn't won since 2002, had a 70 Saturday to share second place at 8-under 208. She was joined by Russy Gulyanamitta (68) and Jane Park (70).
Gulyanamitta had won just over $4,400 in her career entering this event. Park got her second top-10 in her 22nd tour start.
Angela Park, who was penalized two strokes for slow play, closed with a 69 to join Momoko Ueda (71) in fifth place at 209.