/world sport
KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- Michelle Wie made an encouraging start to her 2008 campaign with a three-under-par 69 in the first round of the Fields Open in her native Hawaii.
Wie gave notice that she may be returning to her best form after a torrid period.
The teenage prodigy endured a miserable 2007 as she battled wrist injuries with doubts raised that she would again be a force on the LGPA Tour, but Wie is determined to start again with a clean slate.
"You know, I don't really feel like I have to prove myself to anyone," she said.
"I just was really proud of myself today that I didn't think about anything but just playing."
Telling herself to "stay in the present," Wie broke 70 for the first time since the Evian Ladies Masters in July 2006, a tournament where she tied for second and earned her largest check.
South Korea's Jeong Jang, the 2005 British Open champion, set a blistering first round pace with an eight-under 64, making nine birdies in a spectacular 16-hole stretch.
Paula Creamer shot a 66, birdieing the last three holes for a five-under 31 on the back nine.
Sweden's Annika Sorenstam, trying to complete a Hawaiian sweep after winning at the season-opening SBS Open at Turtle Bay for her 70th LPGA Tour title, opened with a 70.
Russy Gulyanamitta of Thailand, who finished in a surprise tie for second behind Sorenstam, is also on two-under-par.
World number one Lorena Ochoa is sitting out the tournament, the Mexican making her seasonal re-appearance at the HSBC Women's Champions tournament in Singapore next week. E-mail to a friend 
Copyright 2008 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.
| Most Viewed | Most Emailed |
| Most Viewed | Most Emailed |
From the Blogs: 
Sit tight, we're getting to the good stuff
