Competitive spirit keeps Sorenstam in Bulle Rock contention

HAVRE DE GRACE, Maryland, June 9 (Reuters) Annika Sorenstam's competitive drive was on full throttle as she moved into a tie for fifth in the LPGA Championship second round.

Despite not being 100 percent fit, the Swede carded a three-under-par 69 in scorching temperatures to finish three shots behind pacesetting Norwegian Suzann Pettersen.

''I'm a competitor and I might be a little injured physically, but let me tell you, mentally I'm not,'' Sorenstam told reporters after posting a five-under total of 139 at Bulle Rock yesterday.

''I'm probably strong as ever. So that's really what keeps me going.'' The three-times champion was sidelined for almost two months with a ruptured disc in her back before returning to competition last week.

She tied for 36th in the Ginn Tribute which she hosts, saying it would take another four or five tournaments to regain prime form.

Asked if those expectations were a little higher after her promising start at Bulle Rock, the former world number one replied: ''No, it's about the same.

''I'm excited, though, because I'm having several good holes. I'm hitting some quality shots.

''Unfortunately, I still have some bad shots in me and therefore I don't want to raise the bar too soon. I'm just happy to have two rounds under par.'' Sorenstam picked up three shots on her outward nine after teeing off at the 10th before double-bogeying the second and bogeying the fourth.

She resurrected her round with a strong finish, though, reeling off birdies at the sixth, eighth and ninth.

''I was struggling a little bit on two, three, four and five,'' the Swede said. ''To come back was important for me.

''I have a good frame of mind right now and I just want to keep it that way and not think too far ahead. For me it's all about plodding along.

''I'm going to hit some bad shots but if I can save some like I did today and I can putt well, I made a few solid five and six-footers to keep it going, that's the key here.'' REUTERS AKD KN1104