Park takes 3-shot LPGA lead in Taiwan

Inbee Park shot a 10-under 62 on Friday to open a three-stroke lead in the LPGA Taiwan Championship, her first event since regaining the No. 1 ranking on Monday.

The South Korean star played the first eight holes in 6 under – making an eagle, five birdies and a bogey – and birdied four of the first six holes on the back nine. She had an 18-under 126 total at Miramar.

Park won the LPGA Championship in August for her second victory of the year and fifth major title. Last year, she swept the first three majors and won six times.

China’s Shanshan Feng was second after a 65 on Friday.

Queenslander Sarah Jane Smith was the best of the Australians at tied for 14th after a second round 67 to be seven under.

South Korea’s Mirim Lee also shot a 62 to join third-ranked Lydia Ko, Azahara Munoz and Line Vedel at 10 under. Lee won the Reignwood LPGA Classic on Oct. 5 in China for her second victory of the year.

Ko had a 65. The 17-year-old New Zealander won the Swinging Skirts World Ladies Masters in December at Miramar. Munoz, from Spain, had a 66. Vedel, from Denmark, shot 68.

Second-ranked Stacy Lewis was 9 under after a 68.

Norway’s Suzann Pettersen, the winner the last two years at Sunrise, was 7 under after a 71.

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