Blomqvist holds edge in Malmo

Minea Blomqvist’s stellar back nine performance gave her the lead at the Scandinavian TPC after the opening round.

The 22-year-old Finn carded a four-under-par round of 68 to move one stroke clear of Swede Louise Stahle and American Laura Diaz.

Blomqvist posted two birdies and a bogey on the opening nine holes at the Barseback Golf and Country Club in Malmo but three birdies in five holes on the back nine allowed the 2004 OTP Bank Central Open winner to emerge as the outright leader.

Swede Maria Hjorth tied with early leader Jade Schaeffer and Swedish amateur Caroline Hedwall on two-under-par 70.

Blomqvist, who splits her time between the Ladies European Tour and the Stateside Ladies Professional Golf Association, needed only 24 putts during her round of 68.

The Finn added that European Solheim Cup Team captain Helen Alfredsson had also helped her overcome her confidence issues.

“When I was in US, she was there so I stayed with her in her house for a couple of weeks practising together,” she said.

“She’s been very supportive, even though I haven’t been playing all that well this year.”

Blomqvist revealed her poor form prompted her to ask her coach Timo Rauhala to caddy for her this week.

“I haven’t been playing so good,” she said.

“He (Rauhala) said the only goal is to see perfect shots this week. I tried to stay with it today.”

The 22-year-old Stahle admitted the chance to return to Sweden had helped her to find confidence after a disappointing showing at last week’s Women’s British Open in which she missed the cut.

“You always feel more confident when you know the greens,” she said.

“I went out in the evenings and practised my putting, and I think it paid off.”

Defending champion Annika Sorenstam admitted she had a mixed day after a one-under 71.

“It was a little bit of a rollercoaster,” said the 69-time LPGA and 15-time LET tournament winner.

“I had a bunch of birdies and a bunch of bogeys. I am not quite as pleased with my game as I could be.

“I missed several fairways and greens, but I hit some really good shots and putted well.”

Play will resume tomorrow at 8am, with Blomqvist due out on the course at 8.20am.