Sorenstam, Hurst stand pat

NEWPORT, R.I. – Saturday is normally called “moving day” at golf tournaments. But this year at the U.S. Women’s Open, it was only the second round. And by staying right where they were, Annika Sorenstam and Pat Hurst are still in the lead.

Just as they were following round one, Sorenstam and Hurst are at 2 under. Both shot even-par 71 for 140 totals at Newport Country Club, with Sorenstam going in the morning and Hurst in the afternoon. Everyone will have to go all day today, as they’ll play 36 holes to make up for fogged-out Thursday.

“It’s tough out there. I think I’m more tired than anything,” said Sorenstam, who is seeking her third Women’s Open title and 10th major. “It’s going to be a long day (today), and I think the key for me now is to rest and totally recharge my batteries.”

The other two players who were tied for the lead after the first round aren’t too far out. Amateur Jane Park shot 73 and is tied in third place at 142. South Korea’s Se Ri Pak shot 74 and is in a group of five at 143.

Also tied with Park in third place are Michelle Wie, who had a 72, and South Korea’s Shi Hyun Ahn, who shot 71.

“I think I’m just not going to take it too seriously,” Wie said of keeping her nerves in check today. “It’s going to be a fun ride. I’m just going to play the way I’ve been playing, try not to pump myself up too much too early.”

Last year, all the attention was focused on American teens Wie and Morgan Pressel going into the final round, but it was Korea’s Birdie Kim who ended up with the title.

Could Ahn be this year’s Kim? For that matter, don’t underestimate fellow Korean Jeong Jang, a tiny 5-foot-2 powerhouse who already has one major, the 2005 Women’s British Open. Jang is in that tie for sixth place.

A lot of outcomes look possible, especially with two rounds being played today. Maybe that favors Sorenstam, who has led the way in Tour conditioning.

“For me, it’s more going to be the mental part than the physical part,” she said.

“It’s just, ‘Can you stay focused for all those shots?’ If it’s windy, you have to think so much more about the different shots. I think by late in the day, we’ll all be exhausted.”

Wie may have an edge, being just 16 and with the accompanying boundless energy. Yet getting “mentally tired” on a course such as this one, with gusts right off the ocean, can affect everyone the same no matter her age.

The oldest in the field is still in the hunt for the title. That’s Juli Inkster, who turned 46 on June 24. She’s also tied for sixth at 143 after a round of 70. Inkster won the Women’s Open in 1999 and 2002.

“You hope that your workouts pay off,” Inkster said.

“Thirty-six holes on another golf course would probably be no problem. But out here, you’re going to have to hit the ball solid.”