Waterloo, Ontario (Sports Network) - Sandra Changkija fired an 8-under 63 to
jump to the top of the leaderboard Thursday, but the first round of the
Manulife Financial LPGA Classic was eventually suspended because of lightning
and rain.
With storms closing in on Grey Silo Golf Course and lightning in the area,
play was halted Thursday afternoon and called around 7 p.m. (et). The
tournament, which is new on the tour this year, is scheduled to pick back up
Friday at 8 a.m. Because of the lengthy stoppage, many players have yet to
complete their rounds.
Changkija, however, had the benefit of being in the first group off the 10th
tee and posted her best score of the season. The LPGA Tour rookie has missed
the cut five times in seven events, but is now at the head of the field, let
alone on pace to see the weekend.
Shanshan Feng, won broke through for her first victory at the LPGA
Championship two weeks ago, carded a 5-under 66 and shares second place with
Anna Nordqvist. The Swedish Nordqvist was minus-5 through 13 holes before play
was stopped Thursday.
Suzann Pettersen, Karin Sjodin, Angela Stanford and Lacey Agnew all shot 4-
under 67 and are tied for fourth.
Paula Creamer and Lexi Thompson are among those who still have yet to complete
their rounds. They were both minus-2 through 12 holes.
MORE TO FOLLOW.
The Sports Network