Redman, Hjorth, lead Longs Drugs Challenge

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DANVILLE, Calif. (AP) -- Michele Redman and Sweden's Maria Hjorth shot 6-under 66s on Thursday to share the first-round lead in the LPGA Tour's Longs Drugs Challenge.

Redman and Hjorth both had seven birdies and a bogey on a sunny day at Blackhawk Country Club. In-Kyung Kim and Mikaela Parmlid were tied for second at 67.

Norway's Suzann Pettersen, a playoff winner over top-ranked Lorena Ochoa last year at Blackhawk, was two strokes back at 68 along with LPGA Championship winner Yani Tseng, Sarah Lee, Sarah Kemp, Meaghan Francella, Reilley Rankin and Wendy Ward.

Ochoa, a seven-time winner this year, opened with a 70. Santa Cruz resident Juli Inkster, the Hall of Famer who won in 1999 and 2000 at Twelve Bridges, also had a 70.

Bay Area star Paula Creamer, the Samsung World Championship winner last week at Half Moon Bay, had two double bogeys and an eagle in a 74. Ai Miyazato, coming off a victory Sunday in the Japan Women's Open, shot a 72.

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