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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, July 28, 2007

Wie fires 1-under 71 at Evian Masters

 • Special report: Michelle Wie

By Patricia Davies
Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Michelle Wie

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EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — Michelle Wie shot a 1-under 71 yesterday in the second round of the Evian Masters to break par for the first time since last year's final round at this tournament.

The 17-year-old from Honolulu, who had gone 24 consecutive rounds without breaking par, is now level par at 144 and in no danger of missing the cut.

"I'm very happy," Wie said. "That's my first round under par this year. It's a bit of a breakthrough.

"I had one stupid hole — the seventh — where I had a double bogey, but it was a very positive round. I just need to hole more putts."

Diana D'Alessio of the United States and Hong Jin-joo of South Korea led by the tournament by three strokes.

D'Alessio did not drop a shot in a round of 68, while Hong had four birdies and two bogeys in her round of 70 to both total 7-under 137.

They were followed by Annika Sorenstam of Sweden (69), Jang Jeong of South Korea (71) and Brittany Lincicome of the United States (74).

"I played pretty solidly and hit the ball well," said D'Alessio, who birdied the 1st, 5th, 11th and 15th holes in what is her first Evian tournament.

"I missed from 4 feet at the last because I hit the putt through the break. The greens are quite tricky."

Juli Inkster, who won in 2003, had five birdies in the first seven holes for a 68 to be in a large group at 141.