France's Icher leads suspended Swinging Skirts golf

San Francisco (AFP) - Karine Icher fired a bogey-free six-under 66 to seize the early first-round lead at the inaugural LPGA Tour's Swinging Skirts Classic which was suspended because of darkness.

The 35-year-old from France rolled in six birdies to take a two-shot lead over a group of five golfers at the Lake Merced Golf Club.

"It was a good day," Icher said. "I am happy about that. I stayed confident all through the round."

There was a two-hour fog delay prior to the start of the first round, which eventually caused the suspension. When play was halted, there were 27 players remaining on the course.

The $1.8 million event debuts at 6,507-yard, par-72 Lake Merced course with 18 of the world's 20 top players in the field of 144 seeking a $255,000 top prize.

New Zealand's Lydia Ko, Dewi Claire Schreefel, Lee Il-Hee, Jenny Shin and Maria McBride shot matching four-under 68s to share second place.

World number three Stacy Lewis was among five players tied for seventh at three-under 69. Lewis was joined by Morgan Pressel, Christel Boeljon, Kim Hyo-Joo and Mo Martin.

Norway's Suzann Pettersen, who is ranked second in the world, fired a two-under 70 and is tied for 12th with four others.

Pettersen is trying to catch South Korea's Park In-Bee for the world number one. Pettersen missed the last three events with a back injury.

South Korean star Park has ruled the rankings for the past 54 weeks but is being chased by Pettersen and American Lewis -- all seeking their first tour win of the season

Park is tied for 43rd after firing a one-over 73.