KRAFT NABISCO C'SHIP US unless stated -3 Jones, Kim (Kor), Stupples (GB) -2 Wie, Inkster, Koch, Pressel, Sorenstam -1 Estill, Steinhauer, Rosales (Phi), Gustafson (Swe), Neumann (Swe), Delasin, Andrews, Kane (Can), Hurst

The British Open champion, along with American Rosie Jones and South Korea's Kim Mi-Hyun, holds a one-stroke lead.

Sweden's Annika Sorenstam and Carin Koch, American Juli Inkster and amateurs Michelle Wie and Morgan Pressel, shot rounds of 70.

Laura Davies was the second-placed Briton after a round of 73.

Stupples said that the confidence gained from the 2004 British Open win had benefited her during the first round of this year's first major.

"I love the majors and this is just the start I wanted," said Stupples, who struck five birdies in windy conditions.

"I enjoy the challenge of the tougher courses because they help me concentrate.

"Winning the British Open by five shots (at Sunningdale) last year convinced me that my game is good for this level and I feel very comfortable being in the lead."

Sorenstam, favourite for the event, was content with a round that saw her drop a shot at the short 17th and also record an eagle at the par-five second.

"It's a decent start. I didn't hole many putts and the wind came up and was swirling at the end which made it very difficult. But I will take a 70," said the 34-year-old.

Teenager Wie, who has finished in the top 10 for the past two years, got to three under after three birdies in the first 10 holes, but then suffered a downturn in form.

"It should have been a lot better," said the 15-year-old American.

"I missed three putts of four feet. But hopefully I will be better on Saturday"