Inkster takes British Open lead

FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD (US unless stated)
-7 J Inkster -6 Y Fudoh (Jpn), M Ueda (Jpn), J-Y Shin (Kor), J Head (Eng), L Diaz, S Prammanasudh, J Young Oh (Kor) Selected others: -5 R Hudson (Eng), K Stupples (Eng) -4 C Matthew (Sco) -3 L Ochoa (Mex), H Alfredsson (Swe), J Moodie (Sco) -2 L Davies (Eng) -1 M McKay (Sco) Level A Sorenstam (Swe)

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Inkster has won seven majors over her career

American veteran Juli Inkster rolled back the years to lead the Ricoh Women's British Open by one shot after the opening round at Sunningdale.

The 48-year-old, winner of seven majors, fired an eagle and five birdies for a seven-under round of 65.

England's Johanna Head was in a group of seven players one back on six under.

Defending champion Lorena Ochoa started well before slipping back to a 69 while Annika Sorenstam, in her final major before retirement, came home in 72.

Head's compatriots Rebecca Hudson and former winner Karen Stupples are well placed just two off the lead following rounds of 67.

Inkster, the oldest player in the field, whose first major was 30 years ago, drove to 18 feet on the 273-yard ninth to set up her eagle.

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The mother-of-two said afterwards: "I'm kind of unique. Golf is what I do. I have a family and I enjoy being home, but I also enjoy what I do.

"I always thought I would play about five years, have a couple of kids and retire.

"I don't think Annika could come out here and finish 15th or 12th on the money list and live with herself. I'm OK with that. Golf's not the end of the world for me."

Sorenstam, who will retire at the end of the season to pursue other interests and possibly start a family, never recovered from bogeying three of her first six holes.

"I've never made as many bogeys as I have the last three months and it's driving me crazy," said Sorenstam.

"I was looking forward to a wonderful day and get some momentum going. It's so disappointing when I can't post something low and I don't really know what to do - I can't seem to play 18 holes."