Hurst, Lincicome, Ji Lead Evian Masters With 6-Under 66; Wie Shoots 73

Thursday, July 26th 2007, 12:37 pm

By: News On 6

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) -- Americans Pat Hurst and Brittany Lincicome and Ji Eun-hee of South Korea topped the leaderboard in a three-way tie after the first round of the Evian Masters on Thursday.

The three set the pace with 6-under 66.

Michelle Wie, the 17-year-old star from Hawaii, shot a 73 and has not broken par since finishing tied for second here last year.

On a day of low scoring, the leaders were one shot ahead of Christina Kim of the United States, and Kyeong Bae and Jin Joo Hong of South Korea.

Karrie Webb, the defending champion from Australia, started strongly with three birdies in the first four holes. She also had a birdie on the last hole for a round of 70.

Lorena Ochoa of Mexico fought hard to finish with a par 72.

"It was one of the most up-and-down rounds I've had this year," Ochoa said. "I had six birdies, two double bogeys and two bogeys. It could have been a very bad day."

Wie said she has a positive outlook.

"I'm definitely on the road to recovery," Wie said. "I'm swinging much better and I made some birdies. I take so many positives from this round."