Vancouver, July 11: Heather Bowie fired a six-under-par 66 to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the Canadian Women's Open in Vancouver as world number one Annika Sorenstam withdrew because of illness.
Juli Inkster opened with a four-under 68 and is tied for second with Pat Hurst and Koreans Grace Park and Jeong Jang.
Defending champion Meg Mallon, Se Ri Pak and US Women's Open runner-up Kelly Robbins are among nine players sharing third after hitting rounds of 69.
"I don't think it's out of the blue, I played well last week," said Bowie, who tied for 41st at the Open on 15 over.
"I think I've been right on the cusp of it and maybe it's coming together now."



Sorenstam, the LPGA's top money-winner, has been suffering with a cold since last week's US Open, and decided to quit the event after coming in at one over-par through six holes.



"I'm feeling bad for the fans and the tournament, but my hole body feels ill," said Sorenstam.



Sorenstam said she was worn out from both the US Open and the attention she has received since playing on the men's PGA Tour in the Colonial in May.



"I was hoping the last couple of days with rest would have made me feel better but the last couple of months have caught up with me," she said.



"I tried my best to play today and I apologise to the fans, but I need to go home and get better."



Sorenstam won the 2001 Canadian Open in Ontario, but missed last year's tournament to play an event in her native Sweden.


Bureau Report