Sandra Changkija grabs first-round lead at Manulife Financial LPGA Classic 2012
Sandra Changkija of the United States shot an impressive 63 in the first round of the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic 2012 to grab a lead.
The first round of the Manulife LPGA Classic, being played at Waterloo Canada, was suspended due to bad light and rough weather conditions, however, Changkija was happy to see her name atop the leaderboard.
The American star kicked off the round in an amazing style and posted a bogey-free score. She fired her first birdie on the par-4 2nd hole and stunned the spectators when she shot five straight birdies
to consolidate her position on the leaderboard.
Shanshan Feng of China is standing tied for the second spot after she posted a 66. Feng looked in a great form, as she drained six birdies. However, she faltered on the par-4 15th and recorded a
bogey.
The prestigious tournament is featuring a formidable field. However, Changkija displayed the best performance of her career, keeping rivals at a distance. It remains to be seen how she fares against top-ranked
LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) stars in the next three rounds.
Posting a season-low 63 in the first round has put the Yank in a stronger position, and she is firm to maintain her lead in the next rounds.
Since the grim weather put the match off its schedule, many players have yet to complete their rounds. Analysts said that the results will be clearer after all the players have finished their rounds.
However, commentators said that Changkija has proved her worth by shooting a tremendous score in the opening round, and she is expected to keep the momentum going on the second day as well.
Moreover, Angela Stanford, Lacey Agnew, Karin Sjodin and Suzann Pettersen all recorded a 67 each to share the fourth spot on the leaderboard.
Speaking to the media about her stunning performance, Changkija said that she is quite happy to find herself in a better position.
"My ball striking has been good, you know, for almost every tournament I've played in. I just missed a few fairways here and there," said the first-round leader. "I've been keeping up with my ball striking
and just needed to make some good strokes".
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