Lucky-break Brewerton shares Evian Masters lead

Evian-Les-Bains: Becky Brewerton, who only got into the Evian Masters by winning last week`s Spanish Open, shot a first round five under par 67 to share the lead after the first round Thursday.The 26-year-old Welshwoman had seven birdies to finish top of the leaderboard alongside two South Koreans, Choi Na Yeon and Kim In Kyung.

World No.1 Lorena Ochoa had a disappointing day. The Mexican, seeking a first Evian title, shot 75, while another of the pre-tournament favourites, American teenager Michelle Wie, had to birdie the final two holes to salvage a 73. But Brewerton carried on from where she left off last week. "I`m delighted that I continued my good form," said the player who needs another good finish to raise her hopes of retaining her place in Europe`s Solheim Cup side for next month`s match against the USA. "The rough is very tough this year and this course is harder than most we play on the European Tour. But I hit a lot of fairways, which was key, and I had a couple of late birdies with good putts at the 16th and 17th which also helped. "It`s amazing to think that, a week ago, I wasn`t even in the field and now I`m one of the leaders. Martin Kaymer and Diana Luna have both won back-to-back recently on the European Tours, hopefully I can do the same this week." Choi lost to Sweden`s Helen Alfredsson, who opened with a 70, in a three-way play-off for the title last year, and she had six birdies to raise her hopes of getting her hands on the trophy. "I`m far more comfortable than last year, not nearly so nervous. Today I putted really well," she said after the six-birdie round. Kim had a flawless round with three birdies and a spectacular eagle two at the 11th where she holed out with a nine iron. "I played really well all day and that was big bonus," admitted the winner of the LPGA State farm Classic in June. Off the course, there was drama on the eve of the tournament when there was a serious fire at one of the local hotels. Several players were staying at the Hotel Pavillons du Golf, and South Korean Amy Yang threw out her mattress and jumped to the ground from the balcony. Her father suffered burns to his arm. Bureau Report