COLORADO SPRINGS, July 7 (UPI) -- Former champion Cristie Kerr shared the lead Thursday when a thunderstorm typical of the Rocky Mountain foothills suspended play at the U.S. Women's Open.
Only 24 players had completed the opening round of the year's third major championship on the women's tour when storms rolled in off the mountains. Most of those with afternoon tee times were unable to begin play.
Kerr, the world's second-ranked player, who captured this event in 2007, was 2-under par through 15 holes at the Broadmoor Resort's East Course. She began play on the back nine and had birdied the fifth and sixth holes shortly before the rains came.
She was tied for the lead with amateur Amy Anderson, who was at 2-under through 12 holes.
Inbee Park, the 2008 champion, Ai Miyazato and Silvia Cavalleri were at 1-under. Park had one hole to play, Miyazato had three holes left and Cavalleri had completed only the opening hole when the action was halted.
The best round among those who had finished was the 73 turned in by Kristy McPherson.
Tournament officials said the first round would continue at 7:45 a.m. local time Friday.
Among those who had yet to get under way was world No. 1 Yani Tseng, who at age 22 is trying to become the youngest player to complete the career grand slam. Tseng recently won the LPGA Championship by 10 shots.
Tseng will be paired with defending champion Paula Creamer.
