Sorenstam gains ground at shortened Sybase Classic
Picking up the clubs for the first time in two days, Annika Sorenstam fired a four-under-par 67 to move within one shot of leader Gloria Park after Saturday's second round of the Sybase Classic.
Initially scheduled for four rounds, the event took a pounding from the rain as it required parts of three days to complete the opening round. With more rain in the forecast for Sunday, tournament officials have decided to shorten the event to 54 holes.
Coming off her first missed cut in 68 events over four years, Sorenstam shot a one-over 72 on Thursday. After play was washed out Friday, she rediscovered the form that has made her the best female golfer in the world and moved to three-under 139.
"I get to play Sunday so that's a good thing," Sorenstam said. "I've improved from last week. Kidding aside, I'm very happy. I made some putts today on the back nine."
The winner here in 1998 and 2000, Sorenstam is not dominating the LPGA Tour in 2006 quite as she has in years past. The Swede won her season debut at the MasterCard Classic in March but has not won since, settling for finishes of 19th, sixth, second and fourth.
"I really feel good about my game, I really do," said Sorenstam, who had five birdies and a bogey. "It's just right now I've hit a certain spot in my career where I'm not going anywhere. Like I said, I'm just going to work through it."
In 2002, Park rallied here to overtake Sorenstam, then won in a play-off over Hee-Won Han.
Park has six bogeys through the first two rounds but still leads at four-under 138. She had mirror-image nines on Saturday, with each containing consecutive birdies, a later birdie and a closing bogey.
The round was a stark contrast for Park, who has yet to finish higher than 14th and has missed four of nine cuts this year.
Park pointed to the Wykagyl Country Club helping her confidence.
"I didn't have a good year so far," Park said. "Since I got here, I have a good memory and feel about it. So maybe I have extra confidence in my game, more focus."
Unknown Allison Hanna is two shots back following a 71.
