Stupples in form as Stanford shines

England’s Karen Stupples produced a late birdie spree to move into the top five at the Safeway International in Phoenix, Arizona, with a five-under-par 67.

But it was American Angela Stanford who set the tournament at Superstition Mountain alight with 10 birdies in a course-record 10-under-par 62.

Stanford led by three shots from Mexico’s defending champion and world number one Lorena Ochoa, who hit nine birdies and two bogeys in her 65.

Stupples, the 2004 Women’s British Open champion, missed most of last year due to the birth of her son, Logan, in April.

But she showed some fine form towards the end of last season and finished tied fifth in the Fields Open in Hawaii last month.

“Getting back my fitness was the most difficult part in coming back after having Logan,” said Stupples.

“But I’m pleased the way I’ve started this year and delighted with today’s round, especially the finish.”

Out in level par-36, the Kent-based 34-year-old made her great back nine of 31 with four birdies in a row from the 13th and another at the par-five 18th.

Wales’ Becky Morgan dropped a shot at the 18th for a 69, while Scot Catriona Matthew, the top British player on the LPGA Tour for the past few years, and England’s Laura Davies, a four-time former winner, both shot 71.

Stanford, whose only Tour victory came in the 2003 ShopRite LPGA Classic, hit three birdies in a row from the second and again from the seventh in an outward half of 30. She then picked up more shots at the 13th, 15th and at the final two holes.

Canadian Alena Sharp was out in one under par, but slipped up on the back nine and had to settle for a 74.

The lowlight was a double-bogey five at the short 13th and she also dropped late shots at the 16th and 17th.

Lorie Kane, the second Canadian in the field, was better-placed after a roller coaster one-under 71 that included five birdies, two bogeys and a double-bogey six at the 15th.