Alfredsson leads Euro challenge

Helen Alfredsson's back in the swing

Helen Alfredsson raised hopes of back-to-back wins for Sweden on the US LPGA Tour with a first-round three-under-par 67 in Thursday's Office Depot Tournament at Doral, Miami, Florida.

In bitterly cold and windy conditions, Alfredsson finished a stroke behind two Americans, Wendy Ward and Jackie Gallagher-Smith.

Another American, Nancy Scranton, was the best on the longer Blue Monster course with a three-under-par 69.

Kathryn Marshall was the best-placed Briton with a one-over-par 71 on the Red course, while Laura Davies did not manage a birdie in her two-over 72.

Unbelievable experience

Alfredsson, who won this event three years ago, had a miserable time last year, but she regained her confidence following a great performance in Europe's Solheim Cup victory over America Loch Lomond last October.

"I've been on a high ever since," she claimed.

"Last year was tough because I was injured and lost my enthusiasm. But being picked for the Solheim, and then playing well and helping Europe win was an unbelievable experience."

At the moment I'm just taking it day by day

  Helen Alfredsson

Not that she was ready to suggest she could follow Sophie Gustafson, winner of the Naples Memorial Tournament last week, into the winner's circle.

"At the moment I'm just taking it day by day," said Alfredsson, who slumped to number 72 - her lowest in nine years in America - on last year's money list.