Sorenstam opens with 75 in first LPGA event in 13 years

LOS ANGELES: Lydia Ko fired a 65 on Thursday for a two-shot lead after the opening round of the Gainbridge Championship tournament which features Annika Sorenstam playing in her first LPGA Tour event in 13 years.

The 15-time LPGA winner Ko of New Zealand began her round with an eagle on No. 1 and capped it with a birdie on 18 to reach seven under at the Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Florida.

Sorenstam, who calls the Lake Nona area home, created the biggest stir of the morning when she teeded off alongside major winner Anna Nordqvist and defending tournament champion Madelene Sagstrom.

The 10-time major winner Sorenstam shot a 75, the same score she recorded in her last round played in 2008 at the ADT Championship.

— AFP photo Annika Sorenstam of Sweden waves to fans on the first tee during the first round of the Gainnbridge LPGA at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, Florida.