Golf-Kim and McPherson set early Kraft pace as winds strengthen
RANCHO MIRAGE, California, April 3 (Reuters) - Christina Kim made the most of a morning start to move into a tie for the early lead in Friday's wind-swept second round of the Kraft Nabisco Championship.
The popular Korean-American, known for her flamboyant clothing, birdied the last two holes to card a three-under-par 69 at Mission Hills Country Club.
That left her at six-under 138 in the first women's major of the year, level with American Kristy McPherson who returned a 70.
Former U.S. Women's Open champion Cristie Kerr of the U.S. fired a 68 to finish at five under, two strokes in front of South Korea's Kang Jimin (70) and Australian Lindsey Wright.
Kim, a double winner on the LPGA Tour whose last victory was at the 2005 Tournament of Champions, was delighted to play in the calmer morning conditions.
"I was very fortunate with that draw," the 25-year-old told reporters after ending her round as the winds began to gust up to 65kph.
"I remember on Tuesday they said there was going to be some ridiculous winds, like 40 mile an hour gusts on Friday and whatnot, and I just had my fingers crossed."
Dubai debt problems shock