Ward leads by one shot

Korea's Grace Park and Australia's Rachel Teske were a shot further back on 69, while Sweden's Annika Sorenstam was one under.

"I'm pleased because it is the best start I've had here for a while," Sorenstam said after her first round 70 at the DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware.

"I'm feeling good this week and it's a title I really want to win."

Play in the women's second major of the year was delayed by an hour in the morning due to heavy overnight rain.

LEADERBOARD 68 Wendy Ward 69 Grace Park (Kor), Rachel Teske (Aus) 70 Annika Sorenstam (Swe) 71 Marcy Hart, Sally Little (Rsa), Tracy Hanson, Beth Daniel, Natalie Gulbis, Juli Inkster, Dorothy Delasin

Playing alongside Sorenstam, England's Laura Davies had a rather wayward day in the difficult conditions.

The two-time former champion struggled to the turn, but did birdie the last for a 75.

Scotland's Catriona Matthew, on 72, was the best of the early British contingent as she continued to show the form that has seen her claim four top 10 finishes this season.

"It was one of the hardest days we've had here," she commented after a round of four birdies and five bogeys.

"You had to keep it on the fairway or you were dead. But I'm pleased to get away with one over."