Ochoa moves one stroke clear at World Championship

PALM DESERT, California (Reuters) - Defending champion Lorena Ochoa put herself in position to win her seventh LPGA title of the year by taking a one-shot lead in the World Championship second round on Friday.

The Mexican world number one, a stroke off the pace overnight, fired a flawless, five-under-par 67 for a nine-under total of 135 at Bighorn Golf Club.

"It was for sure just a nice round," a beaming Ochoa told reporters after taking control with birdies at the 12th, 14th and 15th.

"It was easy, one of those days where I was hitting the ball well from the tee and gave myself a lot of birdie chances. I feel like I left some shots out there but I'm very happy.

"It was important today to have a solid round to make sure I was, if not in the lead, within one or two shots. So it's where I like to be. I can't wait to be here tomorrow."

Angela Stanford birdied the last for a 66, the joint best of the day, to share second place with fellow American Paula Creamer (69) and LPGA rookie of the year Angela Park of South Korea (69).

It was another day to forget, though, for American teenager Michelle Wie who propped up the leaderboard in the elite field of 20 after battling to a second successive 79.

Playing on a sponsor's invite after a dismal 2007 campaign hampered by a wrist injury and highlighted by just two LPGA cuts in seven starts, Wie piled up three double-bogeys, four bogeys and three birdies.

"I had a tough time today," said the Stanford University student, who celebrated her 18th birthday on Thursday. "I made a couple of putts but there is still tomorrow so I'm going to play better tomorrow."