Creamer’s lead widens in LPGA Champions

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — For someone who thinks she needs to hit the ball farther, Paula Creamer has sure distanced herself from the pack in the Tournament of Champions.

Seeking her second victory of the year and fourth in three LPGA Tour seasons, Creamer shot a 4-under 68 on Saturday to increase her lead to six strokes in the event for tournament winners from 2004-07 and active Hall of Famers.

Five strokes ahead after opening rounds of 67 and 65 at Magnolia Grove, Creamer’s second straight bogey-free day pushed her to 16-under 200.

“I didn’t hit the ball as well today as I did the other days,” Creamer said. “I was kind of pulling some shots here and there. ... It’s difficult when you go out there and you have such a big lead and everyone is gunning for you.”

U.S. Solheim Cup teammate Pat Hurst (68) was 10 under, and Jin Joo Hong (70) followed at 9 under. Suzann Pettersen, coming off consecutive victories in South Korea and Thailand, shot a 68 to join Annika Sorenstam (70) and Birdie Kim (66) at 8 under.