Sorenstam shoots lights out in Georgia

So much for Annika Sorenstam’s slump.

One week after failing to make LPGA Tour history with her sixth straight win, Sorenstam is running away from a strong field at the Chick-fil-A Charity Championship at Stockbridge, Ga.

The world’s No. 1 player shot a dazzling 8-under 64 during Friday’s second round at Eagles Landing Country Club, giving her a six-stroke lead midway through the tournament.

It’s the biggest 36-hole lead in a four-round event since Sorenstam’s 59 at the 2001 Standard Register Ping in Arizona provided an eight-stroke cushion. She held on for a two-shot win over Se Ri Pak.

So far, there’s no indication that anyone can get that close to Sorenstam in this event. Her driver is overwhelming the dried-out course with booming shots off the tee. Her irons are struck with the precision of a radar honing in on its target. Her putts are firm and true.

Sorenstam has yet to make a bogey, leaving everyone else in the field that includes 92 of the top 100 money-winners from 2004 in a battle for second place.

First-round leader Laura Davies faded from contention with a 76, leaving her 11 strokes behind Sorenstam. Karie Webb, the last player other than Sorenstam to be ranked No. 1 in the world, struggled to a 74 that put her 10 shots behind.

Cristie Kerr, who ended Sorenstam’s winning streak last week at Kingsmill, also was 10 strokes back after a 73.

Heather Bowie shot 69 and was still six shots off Sorenstam’s 131 pace.

Only nine players faced less than a double-figure deficit heading to the weekend. Lorie Kane was at 138, alone in third but seven strokes behind. Lorena Ochoa and Brittany Lincicome were each another stroke back, with five others tied for sixth at 4 under.

All are well positioned to contend for the runner-up prize.

Sorenstam’s 13-under score was the lowest in tournament history through the first two rounds. Liselotte Neumann (1998) and Juli Inkster (2002) shared the previous mark of 12 under.

Wendy Ward of Edwall, Wash., is tied for 16th at 142, 11 strokes behind Sorenstam, after shooting 1-over 73.

Defending champion Jennifer Rosales, only two shots off the lead after the first day, struggled to a 76 and was 13 strokes behind Sorenstam.

Champions Tour

Jim Thorpe, Morris Hatalsky and Vincente Fernandez each shot a 7-under 63 and shared the first-round lead at the Blue Angels Classic at Milton, Fla.

Dick Mast, Bruce Lietzke and Hajime Meshiai were a stroke off the pace at Moors Golf Club in the event named for the Navy’s famed precision flying team based at nearby Pensacola Naval Air Station.

PGA European Tour

England’s Brian Davis shot a 1-under 71 to take a one-stroke lead after the second round of the British Masters at Meriden, England.

Thomas Bjorn shot a 68 in the wind for the best round of the competition so far to share second place with Soren Hansen and David Howell. Hansen had a 71 while Howell, one of the first-round leaders, had a 72.

Steve Webster, who won the Italian Open last week, and Michael Campbell were at 1 under, the only other players under par at the end of the second round.

Wie fails in U.S. Open qualifier

Michelle Wie’s bid to play in the U.S. Open is still alive – barely.

The 15-year-old Wie shot a 4-over 76 in a U.S. Open local qualifier at Kahuku, Hawaii, failing to secure one of four berths in sectional play. But the high school sophomore still has a chance to play her way to Pinehurst. She finished in a three-way tie for sixth and was declared the second alternate.