FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD -4 L Neumann -2 A Sorenstam (Swe), C Koch (Swe), -1 OM Jonsdottir (Ice), C Westrup (Swe, am), H Alfredsson (Swe), A Moltke-Leth (Den)

Neumann birdied the 18th hole to complete a round of 68 and take a two- shot advantage over compatriots Annika Sorenstam and Carin Koch.

Neumann, who was joint fifth in last week's British Open, managed five birdies in her round.

A good display in this event would boost her Solheim Cup hopes.

Sorenstam, who is also the tournament host, shrugged aside the extra responsibility with a round that included four birdies.

Yorkshire's Georgina Simpson and Becky Morgan from Wales lead the British challenge after rounds of 72.

But former British Open champion Karen Stupples struggled to an 83 and then withdrew from the tournament with a severe ear infection.