FIRST-ROUND LEADERBOARD -4 J Jang (S Kor) -3 S Gustafson (Swe) -2 N Perrot (Chi) -1 L Neumann (Swe), K Williams (US), E Klein (US)

On a day when only eight players equalled or beat par, Jang managed a round of four-under par 68.

The 25-year-old had an eagle and four birdies with all of the players struggling with the wind and rain.

She is one shot clear of former winner Sophie Gustafson of Sweden with Chile's Nicole Perrot another stroke back.

World number one Annika Sorenstam began her bid for a third major of the year with a 73, while 15-year-old amateur Michelle Wie was two shots further behind.

Sorenstam and Wie toil at Birkdale

After a 56-minute delay due to flooding on the greens in the morning, play was suspended for darkness with 30 players on the course.

They will resume their first rounds on Friday morning.

Jang, who finished tied fourth in this event at Turnberry four years ago, is still seeking her first win on the LPGA tour but put herself into contention with an eagle at the long sixth.

Gustafson, the winner when the championship was last played at Birkdale five years ago, recovered well from a double bogey six at the opening hole.

But the Solheim Cup player hit back with seven birdies, the final two coming from inside eight feet at the 17th and 18th.

Catriona Matthew led the home challenge with a 73, five shots behind Jang while defending champion Karen Stupples had a solid back nine of one-under 36 for a 74 and Laura Davies, the 1986 winner, was on 76.