POND: TSENG CRUSHES FIELD AT LOCUST HILL

YANI TSENG

Yani Tseng made two things perfectly clear Sunday after closing out the fourth major championship of her young career.

First, the 22-year-old Chinese Taipei star is the undeniable, new face of the LPGA Tour. And the second thing? Tseng's opponents better step up their respective games if they plan on contending with the sport's most dominant player since Annika Sorenstam.

Tseng wired the field, closing with a 6-under-par 66 on her way to an 11-stroke victory at Locust Hill Country Club. American standout Morgan Pressel was the next closest, finishing at 8 under for the event.

Defending champion Cristie Kerr, Paula Creamer and Suzann Pettersen - all among our top-10 contenders prior to the start of the tournament - finished in a tie for third place at 7 under par.

Jiyai Shin, our pick to win this week in suburban Rochester, N.Y., struggled with consistency and settled for a share of 34th place after finishing tied for third a year ago.

Here is a look at the 10 players we labeled contenders at the start of the event and how they have fared:

YANI TSENG

Finish: First (-19, 269)

Final round: -6, 66 ... Eight birdies/two bogeys

Third round: First (-5, 67) ... Six birdies/one bogey

Second round: First (-2, 70) ... Five birdies/one bogey/one double

First round: First (-6, 66) ... Eight birdies/two bogeys

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied 19th (+1)

 

CRISTIE KERR

Finish: Tied for 3rd (-8, 280)

Final round: -3, 69 ... One eagle/three birdies/two bogeys

Third round: Tied for 5th (-5, 67) ... Five birdies/no bogeys

Second round: Tied for 38th (E, 72) ... Four birdies/four bogeys

First round: Tied for 33rd (E, 72) ... Four birdies/four bogeys

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: First (-19)

 

PAULA CREAMER

Finish: Tied for 3rd (-8, 280)

Final round: Tied for 5th (-1, 71) ... Four birdies/one bogey

Third round: Even, 72 ... No birdies/no bogeys

Second round: Tied for 6th (E, 72) ... Four birdies/four bogeys

First round: Second (-5, 67) ... Five birdies/no bogeys

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 42nd (+4)

 

SUZANN PETTERSEN

Finish: Tied for 3rd  (-8, 267)

Final round: -5, 67 ... Six birdies/one bogey

Third round: Tied for 16th (-3, 69) ... Six birdies/three bogeys

Second round: Tied for 38th (E, 72) ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 33rd (E, 72) ... One birdie/one bogey

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 11th (-2)

 

STACY LEWIS

Finish: Tied for 6th (-6, 282)

Final round: -1, 71 ... Four birdies/three bogeys

Third round: Tied for 5th (-2, 70) ... Five birdies/one bogey/one double

Second round: Tied for 10th (E, 72) ... Four birdies/two bogeys/one double

First round: Tied for 7th (-3, 69) ... Five birdies/two bogeys

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 14th (E)

 

I.K. KIM

Finish: Tied for 12th (-4, 282)

Final round: E, 72 ... Four birdies/four bogeys

Third round: Tied for 9th (-4, 68) ... Five birdies/two bogeys

Second round: Tied for 29th (-2, 70) ... Four birdies/two bogeys

First round: Tied for 55th (+1, 73) ... Four birdies/two bogeys

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 5th (-4)

 

KARRIE WEBB

Finish: Tied for 20th (-2, 286)

Final round: E, 72 ... Two birdies/two bogeys

Third round: Tied for 21st (-1, 71) ... Three birdies/two bogeys

Second round: Tied for 29th (-3, 69) ... Five birdies/two bogeys

First round: Tied for 76th (+2, 74) ... Two birdies/two bogeys/one double

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 5th (-4)

 

BRITTANY LINCICOME

Finish: Tied for 20th (-2, 286)

Final round: -3, 69 ... Six birdies/three bogeys

Third round: Tied for 41st (-1, 71) ... Five birdies/four bogeys

Second round: Tied for 65th (E, 72) ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 76th (+2, 74) ... Three birdies/three bogeys

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 14th (E)

 

JIYAI SHIN

Finish: Tied for 34th (+1, 289)

Final round: -2, 70 ... One eagle/two birdies/two bogeys

Third round: Tied for 54th (+1, 73) ... Two birdies/three bogeys

Second round: Tied for 65th (-1, 71) ... Four birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 98th (+3, 75) ... One birdie/four bogeys

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 3rd (-5)

 

SANDRA GAL

Position: Tied for 108th (+5, 149) ... Missed cut

Second round: +2, 74 ... One eagle/one birdie/two bogeys/one triple

First round: Tied for 98th (+3, 75) ... Two birdies/three bogeys/one double

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Missed cut

* Photo courtesy of Getty Images

POND: TSENG SLAMMING DOOR ON MAJOR CROWN

YANI TSENG

Yani Tseng is delivering her best imitation of Cristie Kerr at this year's Wegmans LPGA Championship in Pittsford, N.Y.

Just a year ago, Kerr recorded a record-breaking, 12-stroke victory in the major tournament. A year later, Tseng has essentially slammed the door on the field as she takes a comfortable five-stroke advantage into Sunday's final round at the Locust Hill Country Club.

Kerr did her finest to get back into contention, carding a bogey-free, 5-under 67 to move into a tie for fifth place. However, Kerr sits eight shots back and will probably have to go even lower Sunday to have a chance at repeating as champion.

Stacy Lewis and Paula Creamer also stand at 5 under par, with I.K. Kim leading a group of seven players all at 4 under for the tournament.

Here is a look at the 10 players we labeled contenders at the start of the event and how they have fared thus far in the tournament:

YANI TSENG

Position: First (-13, 203)

Third round: -5, 67 ... Six birdies/one bogey

Second round: First (-2, 70) ... Five birdies/one bogey/one double

First round: First (-6, 66) ... Eight birdies/two bogeys

Sunday tee time: 2:40 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied 19th (+1)

 

CRISTIE KERR

Position: Tied for 5th (-5, 211)

Third round: -5, 67 ... Five birdies/no bogeys

Second round: Tied for 38th (E, 72) ... Four birdies/four bogeys

First round: Tied for 33rd (E, 72) ... Four birdies/four bogeys

Sunday tee time: 2:24 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: First (-19)

 

PAULA CREAMER

Position: Tied for 5th (-5, 211)

Third round: Even, 72 ... No birdies/no bogeys

Second round: Tied for 6th (E, 72) ... Four birdies/four bogeys

First round: Second (-5, 67) ... Five birdies/no bogeys

Sunday tee time: 2:16 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 42nd (+4)

 

STACY LEWIS

Position: Tied for 5th (-5, 211)

Third round: -2, 70 ... Five birdies/one bogey/one double

Second round: Tied for 10th (E, 72) ... Four birdies/two bogeys/one double

First round: Tied for 7th (-3, 69) ... Five birdies/two bogeys

Sunday tee time: 2:24 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 14th (E)

 

I.K. KIM

Position: Tied for 9th (-4, 212)

Third round: -4, 68 ... Five birdies/two bogeys

Second round: Tied for 29th (-2, 70) ... Four birdies/two bogeys

First round: Tied for 55th (+1, 73) ... Four birdies/two bogeys

Sunday tee time: 1:52 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 5th (-4)

 

SUZANN PETTERSEN

Position: Tied for 16th  (-3, 213)

Third round: -3, 69 ... Six birdies/three bogeys

Second round: Tied for 38th (E, 72) ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 33rd (E, 72) ... One birdie/one bogey

Sunday tee time: 1:36 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 11th (-2)

 

KARRIE WEBB

Position: Tied for 21st (-2, 214)

Third round: -1, 71 ... Three birdies/two bogeys

Second round: Tied for 29th (-3, 69) ... Five birdies/two bogeys

First round: Tied for 76th (+2, 74) ... Two birdies/two bogeys/one double

Sunday tee time: 1:12 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 5th (-4)

 

BRITTANY LINCICOME

Position: Tied for 41st (+1, 217)

Third round: -1, 71 ... Five birdies/four bogeys

Second round: Tied for 65th (E, 72) ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 76th (+2, 74) ... Three birdies/three bogeys

Sunday tee time: 11:44 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 14th (E)

 

JIYAI SHIN

Position: Tied for 54th (+3, 219)

Third round: +1, 73 ... Two birdies/three bogeys

Second round: Tied for 65th (-1, 71) ... Four birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 98th (+3, 75) ... One birdie/four bogeys

Sunday tee time: 10:48 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 3rd (-5)

 

SANDRA GAL

Position: Tied for 108th (+5, 149) ... Missed cut

Second round: +2, 74 ... One eagle/one birdie/two bogeys/one triple

First round: Tied for 98th (+3, 75) ... Two birdies/three bogeys/one double

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Missed cut

* Photo courtesy of Getty Images

POND: TSENG KEEPS SLIGHT EDGE IN OUR TEN BEST

YANI TSENG

Yani Tseng might not have played her best golf Friday during the second round of the Wegmans LPGA Championship.

However, the Chinese Taipei star was good enough to maintain her lead heading into the weekend as she looks for her fourth major title.

Tseng packaged five birdies, a bogey and a rare double bogey - on the 18th hole- on her way to chalking up a 2-under-par 70, giving her a one-shot edge over surging Pat Hurst at Locust Hill Country Club in Pittsford, N.Y.

Former major champions Paula Creamer and Stacy Lewis are among those lurking behind the leaders, with Creamer sitting tied for sixth place at 3 under and Lewis highlighting a group of 10 contenders at 1 under par.

Here is a look at the 10 players we deemed prime contenders at the start of the event and how they fared during Friday's second-round action of the tournament:

YANI TSENG

Position: First (-8, 136)

Second round: -2, 70 ... Five birdies/one bogey/one double

First round: First (-6, 66) ... Eight birdies/two bogeys

Saturday tee time: 2:40 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied 19th (+1)

PAULA CREAMER

Position: Tied for 6th (-5, 139)

Second round: Even, 72 ... Four birdies/four bogeys

First round: Second (-5, 67) ... Five birdies/no bogeys

Saturday tee time: 2:13 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 42nd (+4)

STACY LEWIS

Position: Tied for 10th (-3, 141)

Second round: Even, 72 ... Four birdies/two bogeys/one double

First round: Tied for 7th (-3, 69) ... Five birdies/two bogeys

Saturday tee time: 1:28 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 14th (E)

I.K. KIM

Position: Tied for 29th (-1, 143)

Second round: -2, 70 ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 55th (+1, 73) ... Four birdies/two bogeys

Saturday tee time: 12:07 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 5th (-4)

KARRIE WEBB

Position: Tied for 29th (-1, 143)

Second round: -3, 69 ... Five birdies/two bogeys

First round: Tied for 76th (+2, 74) ... Two birdies/two bogeys/one double

Saturday tee time: 12:16 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 5th (-4)

CRISTIE KERR

Position: Tied for 38th (E, 144)

Second round: Even, 72 ... Four birdies/four bogeys

First round: Tied for 33rd (E, 72) ... Four birdies/four bogeys

Saturday tee time: 11:13 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: First (-19)

SUZANN PETTERSEN

Position: Tied for 38th  (E, 144)

Second round: Even, 72 ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 33rd (E, 72) ... One birdie/one bogey

Saturday tee time: 11:04 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 11th (-2)

BRITTANY LINCICOME

Position: Tied for 65th (+2, 146)

Second round: Even, 72 ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 76th (+2, 74) ... Three birdies/three bogeys

Saturday tee time: 8:58 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 14th (E)

JIYAI SHIN

Position: Tied for 65th (+2, 146)

Second round: -1, 71 ... Four birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 98th (+3, 75) ... One birdie/four bogeys

Saturday tee time: 9:16 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 3rd (-5)

SANDRA GAL

Position: Tied for 108th (+5, 149) ... Missed cut

Second round: +2, 74 ... One eagle/one birdie/two bogeys/one triple

First round: Tied for 98th (+3, 75) ... Two birdies/three bogeys/one double

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Missed cut

* Photo courtesy of Getty Images

POND: TSENG, CREAMER PACING OUR TEN BEST

YANI TSENG

Same story, different tournament.

At least that's the way it was for Yani Tseng during opening-round action Thursday at the Wegmans LPGA Championship in Pittsford, N.Y., as the world's No. 1-ranked player roared to a 6-under-par 66 to capture a one-stroke edge over Paula Creamer in the second major championship of the season.

Tseng was almost flawless again, carding eight birdies and just two bogeys on the day to get her in the clubhouse before inclement weather wreaked havoc on the late groups teeing off at Locust Hill Country Club.

Creamer was flawless Thursday, firing a bogey-free 67 to put her alone in second place after one round of action.The American standout - arguably the most popular player on the tour - seems to be on her game as she looks to win the second major championship of her career.

Fellow American Stacy Lewis sits just three strokes behind Tseng, claiming a share of seventh place after her 69 in the opening round.

Here is a look at the 10 players we deemed major contenders at the start of the event and how they fared during the first round of the tournament:

YANI TSENG

First round: First (-6, 66) ... Eight birdies/two bogeys

Friday tee time: 1:09 p.m./Tee No. 10

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied 19th (+1)

PAULA CREAMER

First round: Second (-5, 67) ... Five birdies/no bogeys

Friday tee time: 1:20 p.m./Tee No. 10

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 42nd (+4)

STACY LEWIS

First round: Tied for 7th (-3, 69) ... Five birdies/two bogeys

Friday tee time: 9:05 a.m./Tee No. 10

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 14th (E)

CRISTIE KERR

First round: Tied for 33rd (E, 72) ... Four birdies/four bogeys

Friday tee time: 12:58 p.m./Tee No. 10

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: First (-19)

SUZANN PETTERSEN

First round: Tied for 33rd (E, 72) ... Three birdies/three bogeys

Friday tee time: 1:20 p.m./Tee No. 10

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 11th (-2)

I.K. KIM

First round: Tied for 55th (+1, 73) ... Three birdies/four bogeys

Friday tee time: 8:54 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 5th (-4)

BRITTANY LINCICOME

First round: Tied for 76th (+2, 74) ... Three birdies/five bogeys

Friday tee time: 12:58 p.m./Tee No. 10

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 14th (E)

KARRIE WEBB

First round: Tied for 76th (+2, 74) ... Two birdies/two bogeys/one double

Friday tee time: 9:27 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 5th (-4)

SANDRA GAL

First round: Tied for 98th (+3, 75) ... Two birdies/three bogeys/one double

Friday tee time: 1:20 p.m./Tee No. 10

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Missed cut

JIYAI SHIN

First round: Tied for 98th (+3, 75) ... One birdie/four bogeys

Friday tee time: 9:05 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 3rd (-5)

* Photo courtesy of Getty Images

POND: KERR, TSENG HEADLINE BEST OF BRILLIANT FIELD IN PURSUIT OF WEGMANS LPGA CHAMPIONSHIP

CRISTIE KERR

Here are the 10 players who should be in the thick of things come Sunday at the Wegmans LPGA Championship in Pittsford, N.Y., as they chase the title in the second major championship of the season:

YANI TSENG

* Last tournament: First at the LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied 19th (+1)

BRITTANY LINCICOME

* Last tournament: Tied for 3rd at the LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 14th (E)

JIYAI SHIN

* Last tournament: Tied for 8th at the LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 3rd (-5)

SANDRA GAL

* Last tournament: Missed cut at the LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Missed cut

STACY LEWIS

* Last tournament: Tied for 23rd at the LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 14th (E)

CRISTIE KERR

* Last tournament: Second at the LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: First (-19)

SUZANN PETTERSEN

* Last tournament: Tied for 12th at the LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 11th (-2)

I.K. KIM

* Last tournament: Tied for 15th at the LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 5th (-4)

PAULA CREAMER

* Last tournament: Tied for 3rd at the LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 42nd (+4)

KARRIE WEBB

* Last tournament: Tied for 52nd at the LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 5th (-4)

* Photo courtesy of Getty Images