Stupples enjoys baby boon

Motherhood has made Britain's Karen Stupples more patient, she believes, and she made the most of that attribute while moving one stroke clear in the Kraft Nabisco Championship first round here yesterday.

The 34-year-old Englishwoman, who gave birth to son Logan James 12 months ago, carded a five-under-par 67 to take control in breezy conditions. "I actually think that having had seven months off from competition did me a world of good because it gave me a chance to recuperate and recharge mentally," Stupples said. "And then, of course, you have the baby and you go through that and just being active and anxious to play, I think was exciting for me.

"My practice time has to be a little bit more limited now so I have made it much more of a quality practice," added the Florida resident. "When you have a baby, you have to learn a bit of patience, and that's always been a tough thing for me, so it's been really good."

Stupples enjoyed competing here at Mission Hills for four years in a row from 2003 before missing out last April shortly before becoming a mother for the first time. "This was one of the tournaments that when I sat at home pregnant watching on TV, I really wanted to be here playing," she said. "It feels great to be back here because every time you come it feels special."

* Adam Scott and Johnson Wagner were tied for the lead at nine-under par after the first round of the Houston Open. Phil Mickelson, the highest ranked player in the field, shot an even-par 72 – while Ireland's Padraig Harrington was one under. Jose Maria Olazabal and Jesper Parnevik finished with three-under 69s.