Gal sneaks into lead; Jenny is hot

ROCHESTER, New York – Germany’s Sandra Gal kept loose over a game of chess during a rain delay and shot an 8-under 64 to lead Jiyai Shin by one stroke before darkness suspended first-round play at the Wegmans LPGA on Thursday.

An afternoon storm packing hail, lightning and torrential rain interrupted the tournament for three hours at the tree-lined Locust Hill course in suburban Rochester. Poor light then ended play with 30 players unable to finish their round.

Becky Lucidi was in third place at 6 under through 15 holes. Kristy McPherson and Michele Redman were tied for fourth place with 5-under 67s. Tiger Woods’ 18-year-old niece, Cheyenne, carded a 75 in her pro tour debut, which came courtesy of a sponsor exemption.

Jennifer Rosales shot a three-under par 69 in her strongest start in a long, long while as she grabbed a share of 11th place, five strokes off Gal.

Rosales, whose best finish in the season of missed cut stints was joint 48th in the Kraft Nabisco Championship, bounced back from a bogey mishap on No. 2 with four birdies, including three in the last five holes for a 35-34.

It was an inspiring start for the two-time LPGA winner, who continued to grope for form with six missed cuts in nine tournaments this year. (AP)