Sorenstam trails amateur leader by three shots in native Stockholm

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) Amateur Louise Stahle stole the spotlight from Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam, shooting a bogey-free 5-under 67 Thursday for the first-round lead at the HP Open.

Sorenstam was tied for third after shooting a 70 on the long Ullna course.

Emelie Svenningsson, another Swede, was alone in second with a 68 after opening her round with three straight birdies. She is making her first Ladies European Tour start thanks to a wild card as the top money winner on the Swedish Telia Tour.

The 19-tear-old Stahle, who is heading to Arizona State in two weeks, said after her major debut in the Women's British Open last week that she wanted to win in Sweden this weekend.

"I'm in better shape than in the British," said Stahle, who finished 42nd there. "I was tense last week, especially during the last two rounds.

"Now, coming from such a big event, the HP Open doesn't really feel so special. In addition, it's fun to play at home with the support I'm getting from players, friends and family."

Stahle made all her birdies from relatively short distances.

"I had more birdie chances, but also saved par a couple of times," she said.

Sorenstam, a three-time winner of the HP Open when it was known as the Compaq Open, is coming off a disappointing 13th place tie in the British Open.

"I didn't play my best golf today, but it wasn't my worst either," said Sorenstam, who grew up in Bro, a short drive from Ullna. "I didn't play well early, but three birdies on the back nine was a little bit better."

Sorenstam, who finished third last year on another Stockholm course, used her driver only five times.

The seven-time major winner praised Stahle.