Oyama takes lead at Mizuno Classic

TOKYO - Japan's Shiho Oyama upstaged the US LPGA Tour regulars by firing a 4-under 68 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the $1.2 million Mizuno Classic Friday. Oyama, a 12-time winner on the Japan LPGA Tour but winless since 2011, overcame a sore neck to card six birdies and two bogeys on the par-72 Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club course in Shima, central Japan. "I'm just glad I could make it around the course without any problems," said Oyama, who underwent massage and acupuncture to overcome the intense pain. "It's a miracle that I recovered." Defending champion Stacy Lewis of the United States, the highest-ranked player in the tournament at No. 3, could only manage two birdies against one bogey and was three shots back in a large group tied for 20th place.–AFP