GULF COAST, Australia -- Rachel Teske shot a 5-under 67 on Thursday to take the lead after the first round of the ANZ Ladies Masters. Karen Stupples finished alone in second place at 4-under-par 68. Annika Sorenstam collected four birdies and a bogey at Royal Pines Resort to finish two shots back at 3-under-par 69. The top player in the world was joined by Laura Davies, Liselotte Neumann, Michelle Ellis, Stefania Croce and Vicky Uwland in a tie for third.
'I was a bit rusty at first,' said Sorenstam. 'I've been playing and practicing at home a lot but you don't write down a score, so having to finish it off each hole was different.'
Teske played the back side first and picked up her first birdie of the day at the par-3 11th. She dropped a shot with a bogey at the very next hole but picked up three additional birdies on her outward half to make the turn at 3 under.
The Australian stumbled to a bogey at the par-4 second but countered with birdies on each of her next two holes. Teske then birdied the par-4 sixth en route to the opening-round lead.
'I feel I have a little more confidence now and I have been working hard technically but when the tournament comes around, you have to trust your swing,' said Teske, who is playing through pain in her shoulder. 'So this week I don't have any expectations.'
Reigning U.S. Women's Open champion Hilary Lunke tallied three birdies and a bogey for a round of 70 to finish alongside Mhairi McKay, Karine Icher, Jane Leary and Grace Lee in a tie for ninth at 2-under par.
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