Matthew in contention as new stars reign

Scotland’s Catriona Matthew was very much in contention as two of the new stars of women’s golf – Lorena Ochoa and Paula Creamer – shared the lead on four-under-par 140 at the halfway stage of the Kraft Nabisco Championship today at Mission Hills Country Club in California.

Norway’s Suzann Pettersen, who was runner-up to Ochoa at last week’s Safeway International in Arizona, had a 69 and was in joint third place on three under with overnight leader, South Korean Shi Hyun Ahn (73).

Matthew was on one-under in joint sixth after a 73 as she continued her impressive comeback from seven months’ maternity leave. On her season’s debut last week, she tied for fifth.

Mexico’s Ochoa had a 71 to maintain her hopes of completing a double celebration on Sunday. If she wins, it will be a first major title and she will also end Annika Sorenstam’s six year reign as the world number one.

Creamer, who won the season’s opening LPGA tournament in Hawaii, had a flawless 67, which was the best score of the day and put her alongside Ochoa on four under 140.

As if confirming the change at the top, Sorenstam struggled to a 76 for seven-over par and was lost for a reason for her poor form.

“I’m very disappointed and cannot explain why it has not worked out this week,” said the three-time former winner who made the cut with just two shots to spare.

“I’m like sparkling water without the fizz. I gave 100%, but what can you do? I just have to hope that it is better over the weekend.”

Matthew, who opened with a 70, had a rather mixed bag with five bogeys - including two to finish – four birdies and a number of vital par saves.

“I got out of position a few times, but I feel pretty good to still be under par at this stage,” she admitted. “The result last week came as a bit of a shock and I’m delighted to be producing good scores after such a long lay-off.”

England’s Laura Davies was in the top 20 after a 73 for three-over-par 147, while Wales’ Becky Morgan made the cut on five-over after a 75. Scot Janice Moodie had a 72 – but it wasn’t enough to recover from an opening 83 and she missed the weekend.

Canada’s Lorie Kane also missed the cut. The veteran shot 76 for 11-over par.