Kane has never finished higher than fourth in a major event

Canada's Lorie Kane and American Emily Bastel set the pace with opening rounds of 66 at the LPGA Championship - the second women's major of the season.

Kane, who is chasing her first victory since the Takefuji Classic in 2001, had six birdies in her round at the Bulle Rock course in Maryland.

Bastel also managed six birdies in her round as she tries to make her first cut in seven majors.

The pair lead Australian Lindsey Wright by a stroke.

World number one Lorena Ochoa, who is seeking her third straight major title after winning the Kraft Nabisco Championship earlier this year and last year's women's British Open, posted a 69 to lie three shots off the lead.

Kane has been struggling for form in recent times and her best result this year was a tie for 31st at the Corning Classic, which she admits has been frustrating.

"This season, I felt I almost started like a rookie," she said. "I was nervous just trying to make cuts. But I'm not here to make cuts, I'm here to win tournaments, and decided to go out and play and try and forget everything else.

"I fell into a bad habit of just trying too hard. I have also worked a lot on my short game, and it paid off.

Three-time winner Annika Sorenstam started her campaign with a 70 which included birdies at the first and fouth holes but she bogeyed the sixth and then birdied the eighth before settling for a string of pars.

"I let a lot of chances slip away," Sorenstam said. "I just didn't make some putts, unfortunately, but I'm very, very happy with my game."