Sorenstam tied for lead

Annika Sorenstam carded an unspectacular one-under-par 71 but managed to grab a share of the lead after the second round of the MasterCard Classic.

The world’s best female player made her 2006 debut in smashing style, firing a bogey-free five-under-par 67 in the first round.

In the second round, Sorenstam carded back-to-back birdies on the third and fourth but did not manage another until the 16th. She had consecutive bogeys on the 10th and 11th and is at six-under 138.

“I played quite well. I got off to a really good start,” Sorenstam said. “There were some things in the middle. I just could not put a good score together, but I played really, really well.”

Joining Sorenstam at the top of the leaderboard are Paula Creamer and Mi Hyun Kim.

Sorenstam has won her last two season openers and three of her last four. Last year, she came from off the pace for a three-shot victory over Karrie Webb. It was the first of her 10 victories, jump-starting a season that ended with her eighth player of the year award.

“I am playing well and I am hitting some good shots and putting well, so I am looking forward to a great third round,” Sorenstam said.