Ochoa takes charge with Young at hot Mission Hills

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

RANCHO MIRAGE, California (Reuters) - World number one Lorena Ochoa moved ominously into a tie for the lead in the opening women's major of the year, firing a one-under-par 71 in the Kraft Nabisco Championship second round on Friday.

A stroke off the pace overnight, Ochoa took control at the tournament's midway point with American Heather Young, who carded a five-birdie 70 at Mission Hills Country Club.

The pair ended a steaming hot day in the California desert at five-under 139, one ahead of Swede Maria Hjorth and South Korea's Kim Mi-hyun who returned matching 70s.

Three-times champion Annika Sorenstam of Sweden, seeking her 11th grand slam crown, also posted a 70 to lie a further stroke back in a tie for fifth with Korean Han Hee-won (69).

In pursuit of her second major title, and a third LPGA victory of the season in just four starts, Mexican Ochoa shrugged off two late bogeys to take joint charge.

"It was a good day and I can't complain," the 26-year-old told reporters. "I did my best and there were a few putts out there that hurt me but that's the way it is. It's a major championship.

"It was playing tough today. I kept repeating to myself, just be patient. You're in position and you have a couple more rounds to go. I'm where I like to be starting the weekend and I'm excited to get here tomorrow to try to have a low round."

Ochoa, who secured her first major title at last year's Women's British Open, birdied the par-five second before reaching the turn in one-under 35, a stroke in front of the chasing pack.