Laura Davies leads Australian Open

Defending champion Laura Davies shot a five-under-par 68 today to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the Women's Australian Open.

The English veteran had six birdies and a bogey on the tough par-73 Commonwealth layout where fewer than 25 golfers in the 150-woman field broke par.

There was a six-way tie for second: Yang Soo-jin of South Korea, Giulia Sergas of Italy, Jenni Kuosa of Finland, England's Felicity Johnson and Rebecca Flood of Australia and her amateur compatriot Alison Whitaker, all with 70s.

Alexis Thompson, the 15-year-old American amateur who played in the US Open at the age of 12, shot 71 and was in a group tied for eighth.

Karrie Webb, who won last week's Australian Ladies Masters and is a four-time Open champion, shot 73. Playing the tougher back nine first, Webb had three bogeys before making the turn and then posted four birdies and a bogey to remain even on the day.

Former amateur star Amanda Blumenherst, who led the Australian Masters after the first two rounds, shot 77 while fellow American Christina Kim had a 78.

Davies said her round was highlighted by strong putting and subsequently two good par saves.

"Luckily I putted really well today," Davies said.

"Today we had two eight- or nine-footers for par and they both went right in the middle of the hole. That's the sort of thing that really keeps you going. Then on nine (her last), hoping to two-putt and you roll a 35-footer in so that was a real bonus."

Davies has won the Australian Open twice - last year at Metropolitan and in 2004 at Concord in New South Wales.

- AP