DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Honolulu's Michelle Wie shot a 3-under 69 yesterday and stood in a three-way tie for fifth place after the first round of the Dubai Ladies Masters.

Wie had an early tee time — starting on the back nine at the Emirates Golf Club — and missed a couple of birdie putts at the start. But a birdie on the 18th helped and she made her fifth birdie of the round on her final hole.

"A couple of loose tee shots on the front nine, but I feel pretty good. I just hung in there and grinded it out," said Wie, who is recovering from an ankle injury and played with an ankle support. "These greens are difficult, but a pretty solid round. Hopefully, I will make a lot more birdies in the next couple of rounds."

Sweden's Maria Hjorth shot a 6-under 66 to take a two-stroke lead over Titiya Plucksataporn, Amy Yang and Julieta Granada.

Hjorth had five birdies, one eagle and one bogey

"I think the course is playing well, but some of the greens are really fast," said the 36-year-old Hjorth, who had her first child 10 months ago. "So you have to make sure that you place the ball in the right spot on the greens. But it was a very good day. I played really solid."

Minea Blomqvist and Virginie Lagoutte-Clement were tied with Wie.