Inkster back in contention at Women's British Open

Juli Inkster moved back into contention Friday for the only major she hasn't won, making an eagle and four birdies over the first 10 holes in the second round of the Women's British Open at the Old Course.

Photo: Inkster back in contention at Women's British Open

Inkster back in contention at Women's British Open

The American, who has been on the LPGA Tour since 1978 and is chasing her eighth major, recovered from a 6-over 79 on Thursday by reaching the turn in 31 - 5-under for the first nine.

Inkster reached the green at the 514-yard par-5 fifth in two for an eagle putt. She made birdies at the first, sixth, ninth and 10th holes to get back to even par overall.

Although she was still six strokes behind first-round leader Lorena Ochoa, who shot 67 on Thursday and was due out much later Friday, Inkster had a chance to get back into contention. Strong winds were forecast for the afternoon starters.

The 47-year-old Inskster squandered a chance to become the oldest winner of an LPGA Tour event last week when she led the Evian Masters in France by two after three rounds. She had three bogeys in the last five holes to finish in a tie for third behind winner Natalie Gulbis.

Defending champion Sherri Steinhauer, who has won this event three times, improved to 3-under with two birdies on the front nine. She carded 72 on Thursday.

Annika Sorenstam, who won the 2003 Women's British Open at Royal Lytham for one of her 10 majors, was unable to make the same progress, however. After an opening round 72 left her five shots off the lead, the Swede remained at 1-under after 13 holes.

South Korea's In-bee Park, who tied for fourth at the U.S. Women's Open and is chasing her first tournament victory, remained at 4-under after parring her first four holes. She was tied with Sweden's Louise Friberg, who went out later.

The championship is making history as the first women's pro event to be staged at St. Andrews, which is regarded as the home of golf.