Sorenstam rallies to tie Inkster for ShopRite Classic lead

? Annika Sorenstam is right where she wants to be. And she’s got company.

Showcasing her power, finesse and determination, Sorenstam grabbed a share of the lead at the ShopRite LPGA Classic on Saturday, shooting a 6-under par 65 to head into the final round tied with Juli Inkster at 10 under.

After five birdies in her last seven holes, Sorenstam erased Inkster’s lead and set the stage for a showdown today between the two LPGA Hall of Famers.

But don’t count out Laura Davies, who was a stroke back after shooting a tournament-record 62 on a day when the sky cleared, temperatures rose and scores fell.

“Anything can happen,” Sorenstam said.

If recent history is any indication, it’ll happen in her favor. The 34-year-old Sorenstam has won the last five tournaments in which she led or shared the lead heading into the final round.

“Confidence is important any day you play, especially on a Sunday, when you’re in the last group, you have a chance to win,” she said. “There are going to be birdies out there. I have to play aggressive.”

She did Saturday, scorching a Seaview Marriott Resort course that endured torrential rains and gusty winds in Friday’s opening round.

Those conditions were but a squishy memory Saturday. A slight drizzle fell in the morning, but it stopped by the time Inkster – who carried a two-stroke lead to the course – got to the tee at No. 4.

From there, she ran off three consecutive birdies, the last coming on a downhill 7-foot putt on the tricky, sloping green of No. 6.

She shot 4 under for the day, even though she couldn’t manage a birdie on any of the three par-5s.

Even without the rain or wind, a new course hazard appeared, the result of humid, still air and a damp course – gnats. They swarmed players, spectators and anything else that moved.

“The gnats are just brutal, especially when you get over the ball,” Inkster said.

But it was the 41-year-old Davies tying her career-low for 18 holes, who had the round of the day.

Her 62 also tied the lowest score of the year on the LPGA Tour, matching Hee-Won Han of South Korea at the Corning Classic last week.