Wie keeps mum in her sights

American Michelle Wie held her own on the opening day of the Dubai Ladies Masters despite fantastic performances from a mother of 10 months and a mum-to-be.

The 20-year-old world number 12 started her campaign in the 500,000-euro season-ending tournament with a three-under par 69, which gave her a tie of fifth place, three shots behind leader Maria Hjorth of Sweden.

The 36-year-old Hjorth, who became a mother for the first time in February this year, made one eagle and five birdies in her round of 66, which was two shots better than Paraguay's Julieta Granada, Thailand's Titiya Plucksataporn and Korean Amy Yang. For a while it looked like Finland's Minea Blomqvist, who is expecting her first child in April, would be the one to challenge Hjorth.

But after being five-under through 10 holes, the Finn dropped shots coming in to settle for a share of fifth place along with Wie and France's Virginie Lagoutte-Clement. DUBAI, AFP