Mexican making waves

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The 25-year-old Mexican began the Ricoh Women's British Open - the event she hopes will bring her her first major title - with a superb six-under-par 67 after teeing off just after 7am.

Ochoa, who has taken over from Annika Sorenstam at the top of the rankings this year, could not hide her delight after taking a two-stroke lead over Swede Louise Friberg and South Korean In-Bee Park.

"I love my start," she said. "We are already making history just by being here and on the first day we are trying to enjoy it as much as we can and always have a smile on your face."

It was not difficult for her. The early starters had easily the best of the conditions and Ochoa made hay before the wind picked up strength.

She went to the turn in 33, then pitched to three feet on the 10th, hit an eight-iron even closer at the 15th and two-putted the Road Hole 17th, which for the ladies plays as a 453-yard par five.

"It was a really early wake-up call (5am), but I don't mind that. I was really glad that I took advantage of the nice conditions and now I'm in a good position."

Loser of a play-off to Australian Karrie Webb at last year's Kraft Nabisco and runner-up again to American Cristie Kerr at the US Women's Open a month ago, Ochoa rated the 67 her best round of the season so far.

Michelle Wie, playing two groups behind, looked as if she might be saying the same when she put her troubles behind her to reach three under after 10.

But the 17-year-old Hawaiian, who incredibly given her profile has not broken 70 for over a year, bogeyed the 11th, 14th and 16th and by three-putting for par on the 17th had to settle for a level-par 73.