Pressel takes 1-stroke lead at Mizuno Classic

SHIMA, Japan (AP) ― Morgan Pressel of the United States shot a 67 Friday to lead the Mizuno Classic at 5 under after the first round.

Pressel had five birdies at the Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club to lead Britain’s Laura Davies and Chella Choi of South Korea by one stroke.

Kotono Kozuma of Japan was a stroke further back at 3 under in a four-way tie with South Koreans Lee Il-hee and Lee Mi-hyang and Pornanong Phatlam of Thailand.

Stacey Lewis of the United States, who won here in 2012, shot a 70 and was in a group of eight players that included with Karie Webb of Australia and Sakura Yokomine of Japan.

Defending champion Teresa Lu of Taiwan struggled with her game and opened with a 73.


HSBC Champions

SHANGHAI (AP) ― Graeme McDowell relied on a hot putter Friday for another 5-under 67 to build a three-shot lead in the HSBC Champions.

McDowell played bogey-free on Sheshan International, picking up two early birdies to seize control and consecutive birdies on the back nine to stretch his lead.

He was at 10-under 134.

Ian Poulter showed signs of stopping his slide in the world ranking. He birdied four of the last five holes for a 67 and was three shots behind. Bubba Watson was even better. The Masters champion birdied his last five holes, twice chipping in from off the green. He had a 67 and was four off the lead.

McDowell and Poulter were in the final group at the HSBC Champions a year ago, won by Dustin Johnson.