Duo enjoy Swede start to World Cup

World number one Annika Sorenstam and Liselotte Neumann contributed four birdies each to propel Sweden into a share of the lead after a seven-under-par 65 in the opening day fourballs at the Women’s World Cup at Sun City in South Africa.

The favourites tied with South Korea’s Meena Lee and Bo Bae Song, with Scotland’s Catriona Matthew and Janice Moodie, and Wales’ Becky Morgan and Becky Brewerton in joint 10th place after a pair of 70s.

England’s hugely experienced Laura Davies, who birdied two of the first three holes, and newcomer Kirsty Taylor looked set for a great day when they moved to five under after 13 holes.

But bogeys at the 14th and 15th and a double-bogey six at the last left them having to settle for 71.

Davies, who hit into water and picked up at the last, admitted she had been the weak link.

“I let Kirsty down because I couldn’t keep the ball in play enough,” admitted the 42-year-old, who had been out of action for the past two months.

“It was maybe fun for people to watch us today with so many birdies and bogeys, but it wasn’t too fun to play.

“It took six hours to get round, which is utter nonsense, and some of the pin positions were out of this world.”

Scotland, fourth last year, also had an untidy finish. Matthew and Moodie made four birdies in the first 14 holes but bogeyed the 15th and 18th.

“It was a disappointing way to end,” Matthew admitted. “But it was so slow and the pins were pretty brutal so under par was okay.”

Sorenstam had to rely on Neumann to pick up shots early on but she was strong as the wind picked up over the closing stretch.

“I didn’t make a pretty start but I had a great partner to rely on,” she said after having watched Neumann make three birdies in the first seven holes, including holing out from a bunker for a two at the short seventh.

“But my game picked up and we’re in a great position.”