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Castrale out front in LPGA major

HAVRE DE GRACE, Md., June 11 (UPI) -- Nicole Castrale had the lead Thursday among a group of unexpected challengers after the opening round of the McDonald's LPGA Championship in Havre de Grace, Md.

Castrale grabbed the top spot in a major championship for only the second time in her career with a 7-under 65 at the Bulle Rock course.

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Anna Nordqvist was alone in second with a 66 and Shanshan Feng held down third at 67.

Those tied for fourth at 68 included Paige Mackenzie, Ashleigh Simon, Amy Yang, Na Yeon Choi, Stacy Lewis, Moira Dunn and Aree Song. Another shot back were Jin Young Pak, Meaghan Francella, Katherine Hull and Sophie Gustafson.

Only one player ranked in the world top 10 -- No. 7 Angela Stanford -- was within five shots of the lead. Stanford fired a 70, as did Michelle Wie.

World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa, playing for the first time in a month, began the tournament with a 72. Defending champion Yani Tseng fired a 73.

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