Pettersen, Inkster share lead in Mexico

Guadalajara, Mexico – With only 36 players in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational, one would expect Yani Tseng to continue her run of dominance atop LPGA Tour leaderboards.

But surprisingly enough, it was a current Hall of Famer rather than a future Hall of Famer who shares the lead after Thursday's first round.

Juli Inkster, she of 31 LPGA Tour victories and numerous other accolades, shot a five-under 67 at Guadalajara Country Club to share the lead with current world No. 2 Suzann Pettersen.

It's been five years since Inkster won an event or held an 18-hole lead, with her last victory coming at the 2006 Safeway International. It's been over eight years since she converted a first-round lead into victory, dating back to the 2003 Evian Ladies Masters.

On the other hand there is Pettersen, who has two LPGA Tour victories this year, eight overall and would likely be getting much more publicity if it weren't for the unbelievable year Tseng is having. But at No. 2 in the world, Pettersen is one of the quieter forces on tour.

Tseng, meanwhile, struggled mightily, finishing at four-over 76, which is worse than all but two players in the field. Despite the limited field, her current position of 34th would be her worst finish on tour this year.

Other contenders include Meena Lee, who shot a four-under 68 and sits in third, and Catriona Matthew, who is in fourth at three-under 69. Cristie Kerr, Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer, Sophie Gustafson, Maria Hjorth and Se Ri Pak all share fifth at minus-two.

MORE TO FOLLOW.