Korean Park ahead as storms hit US Open again

SOUTHERN PINES, North Carolina, June 30 (Reuters) South Korean teenager Park In-Bee led the way on level-par when the US Women's Open was suspended for the day because of thunderstorms.

Rookie Park, 18, had completed an opening 69 before later adding a second round 73.

Her total of 142 earned a one-stroke lead over countrywoman Jang Jeong (71) and Americans Angela Stanford (71) and Kris Tamulis (71).

The first weather delay of 29 minutes came early yesteday in the afternoon and then, after a break lasting more than two hours, play was finally called off for the day at 1735 local time.

Only 24 players completed their second rounds.

Play will resume at 0100 hrs IST today, with the third round due to start at 0900hrs ISt.

Leader Park said she was inspired to play the game by fellow South Korean Pak Se Ri.

''I was 10 when she won the US Open (in 1998) and she's my big hero,'' Park told reporters.

''I decided I wanted to take up golf and then my family moved to America because it is cheaper to play over here and there are more courses.'' Annika Sorenstam's title defence faltered. Having completed a first-round 70 in the morning, the Swede was five-over for the championship with one hole to play.

Brazil's 18-year-old rookie Angela Park, who led after an opening 68 on Thursday which was also interrupted by storms, was among half the field yet to start their second rounds.

American Alexis Thompson, the youngest player to compete in the event, was unlikely to break Michelle Wie's record and become the youngest to make the cut in an LPGA-sanctioned tournament.

The 12-year-old Thompson was 12-over through 31 holes.

Reuters TB RN0937