Pressel leads by one

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Morgan Pressel leads the ANA Inspiration, the first Major of the year, by one stroke after the opening round.

The American carded a five under 67 at the Mission Hills Country Club, enough for one stroke lead ahead of Japan’s Ai Miyazato, who is by herself in second on four under.

Pressel’s flawless round consisted of five birdies, including one on the first and one on the last, capping off a great day for the former champion.

In 2007, Pressel became the youngest winner of a women’s Major at 18-years-old when she won the Kraft Nabisco Championship, which is now the ANA Inspiration.

“I kept the ball in play most of the day, I was never really in terrible position,” the 26-year-old told Reuters.

“I just was very steady. There are a lot of tight tee shots out here, and I was able to hit it where I wanted to so I’m just happy with the way I played today. This afternoon there was not much wind at all, a little on the front nine, but not nearly what it was in the morning. So we definitely got a little fortunate with the conditions.”

Meanwhile, Lydia Ko carded a one under 71 to equal an LPGA record. The world number one and Annika Sorenstam are tied on 29 consecutive rounds under par.

“I really wasn’t hitting my driver well, and here the rough can get pretty thick,” said the 17-year-old.

“When you’re in that position, a record was the last thing I was thinking about.”

World number two, Inbee Park, slumped to a two over 74 while defending champion Lexi Thompson finished an even par 72.

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