Seeking her third win in a row on tour, Sorenstam shot a 1-under-par 71 yesterday and was three shots behind leader Minny Yeo after the opening round of the rain-delayed Giant Eagle LPGA Classic at Vienna, Ohio.

"It was muddy. I mean, it's soaking wet," Sorenstam said, looking down at the thick, brown mud that had coated her shoes. "If you look at the caddies' and the players' feet — it's unbelievable how muddy it is."

Squaw Creek Country Club might have to be renamed Squall Creek after it was pounded by more than 2 inches of rain this week. The start of the play was delayed an hour because of heavy rain that fell Thursday night.

The field of 144 was allowed to lift, clean and place, but it was still hard to avoid the mini-ponds that cropped up in low-lying areas. Pat Hurst, who shot a 69, said she was forced to chip the ball twice because she couldn't putt through standing water on the green.

Sorenstam didn't arrive in Vienna until Thursday night.

She had never seen let alone played Squaw Creek, choosing instead to rely on caddie Terry McNamara's calculations and advice to guide her.

Joining Hurst at 69 were Patti Rizzo, Liz Earley, Michelle McGann, Catrin Nilsmark, Marisa Baena, Eva Dahllof and Kristal Parker-Manzo.

• Saint Omer Open: Brett Rumford of Australia shot a 1-under 70 for a one-stroke lead with a 134 total after two rounds of the Saint Omer Open at Saint Omer, France.

Rumford, the first-round leader who opened with a course-record 64, started on the back nine and dropped two shots on his first three holes. He made consecutive birdies at No. 18, his ninth, and No. 1, and closed with a two-putt birdie.