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Ochoa takes share of lead after first round in Mexico

World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa and South Korea’s Kim Song-hee both shot a seven-under 66 and share the lead after the opening round of the LPGA Corona Championship on Thursday.

Ochoa, who won her second major at the Kraft Nabisco Championship on Sunday, posted two eagles at the Mexico City-area Tres Marias Residential Golf Club.

Ochoa is seeking her 21st career title at this event in her native Mexico. Kim recorded six birdies in an eight-hole stretch to pull into contention.

“Playing here in my country is extra special,” Ochoa said. “I like it here very much.”

“I’m ready for it. I can’t wait to get the feel of the big crowd and hopefully play good for all of them,” she said.

The 2006 champion of this tournament, Ochoa started on the back nine and overcame her lone blemish — a bogey on No. 14 — to finish with eagles on Nos. 5 and 8.

“I don’t think I’ve ever done that before, two eagles in nine holes,” Ochoa said. “It will be something that I’ll remember for a long time.”

South Korea’s Park Hee-young, who experienced a roller-coaster round by carding eight birdies and four bogeys to finish at 4-under 69, is one of six golfers who trail the leaders by three strokes. Also included in that group is Carin Koch, the event’s inaugural champion in 2005.

“I’m just so thrilled that I’m playing better golf again,” Koch said. “I’ve had a couple years of struggles and it would mean a lot to be up there.”

Ochoa has won three of the four LPGA Tour events she has entered this season, including the last two. She last won three straight events in August.
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