Davies Has Lead Over Sorenstam

EVIAN, France —  Laura Davies shot an eight-under-par 64 Wednesday to lead Annika Sorenstam and two others by two strokes after the Evian Masters’ opening round.

“It was just a nice day, and I was solid all the way,” said Davies, who had an eagle, seven birdies and a bogey. “My caddie Paul Clifford’s wife, Emma, gave me a putting lesson last week, and it’s worked out fine.”

Sorenstam, tied with Lynette Brooky and Mara Prieto at the $2.5-million tournament, made four birdies on the front nine.

“It’s a great start,” Sorenstam said.

“I had a real good feel today and hit solid right from the start.”

In sunny, windless conditions, with the greens soft and holding after an overnight storm, Davies hit a two iron to six feet to eagle the par-five ninth.

Davies said watching the men’s British Open last week as a TV commentator allowed her to pick up some tips for her game.

“It was watching the guys play last week that really helped me today,” she said. “Their rhythm, just how easy they hit the ball. I picked something up about tempo and kept it in mind here.”

U.S. Women’s Open winner Meg Mallon and 14-year-old amateur Michelle Wie were at 71, part of a group in 25th place.

Wie drew a gallery of several hundred fans at an event where attendance is usually sparse for the first round.

“I don’t care about what the score or my position is,” she said. “I’m just happy to have made so many good putts today for par.”