Golf-Choi slips back to put Ochoa, Kerr in lead at U.S. Open

By Larry Fine

BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania, July 10 (Reuters) - Lorena Ochoa of Mexico and Americans Cristie Kerr and Jean Reynolds moved into a tie for the lead without playing a hole as first-round leader Choi Na-yeon of South Korea slid back at the U.S. Women's Open on Friday.

Par remained elusive at the long Saucon Valley Old Course as Choi could attest after starting the second round with bogeys on the first two holes after carrying in a one-stroke lead after opening with three-under-par 68.

The 21-year-old Choi lost another shot to par the rest of the way to post a three-over 74 on the 6,740-yard layout whose fast, sloping greens baked under bright sunshine for the morning starters.

Choi stood at level-par 142, elevating world number one Ochoa, 2007 champion Kerr and Futures Tour player Reynolds to top of the leaderboard as the afternoon wave set out.

"I think I was a little nervous coming in as the leader," Choi, seeking her first major title, told reporters. "I think I placed a lot of pressure on myself."

The 78 starters in the morning produced just two sub-par rounds. Only five players bettered par in the first round.

Australian Lindsey Wright posted a one-under-par 70 to head into the clubhouse two strokes off the pace with a 144 total. Teresa Lu of Taiwan, 21, fired a two-under 69 for 145.

"I'm really happy with the way I played today," said Wright, who overcame a "terrible" tee shot on the 210-yard, par-three ninth hole that dunked into Saucon Creek.