PATTAYA, Thailand -- Former LPGA Championship winner Anna Nordqvist of Sweden fired an opening 66 to grab a one-stroke lead over American Michelle Wie in the US$1.5 million LPGA Thailand at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course on Thursday. Playing under overcast skies, the 26-year-old who is based in Florida hit six birdies, two bogeys and an eagle on the 15th to take a solo lead at 6 under par in the 70-player tournament. "I started with three birdies, so obviously got some momentum off the start," Nordqvist said. "On 15 I had 59 yards to the pin, pitched a little bit past, and then spun in the hole. So that was pretty cool to make an eagle there." After barely registering a top-10 finish, late last year Nordqvist had to find a new coach, Jorje Parada of Spain, and changed equipment. "It felt like at one point last year I was about ready to quit golf," added the world No 27. "I just kind of lost the reason why I play golf, the fun of it. I have good people around me now. They have been really helping me to get that inspiration back." Wie fired six birdies, while bogeying the third, for a 67. "I birdied all four of the par 5s today, which definitely helps on this golf course," she said. Three more Americans are a stroke further back on 68 -- Lexi Thompson, Jennifer Johnson and Angela Stanford, whose round was aided by a hole in one on the par 3, 146-yard eighth hole. World No 1 and defending champion Inbee Park of Sputh Korea hit a 71 to join a large group of players on one-under that also includes world No 3 Stacy Lewis, 2012 LPGA Championship winner Feng Shanshan of China and Australian Karrie Webb, who just claimed a home tournament in Victoria on Sunday. Hugo Ayala Mexico Jersey . Lynchs attorney, Ivan Golde, told The Associated Press on Thursday of the plea deal that was reached with the Alameda County District Attorney Office. The plea will be formally entered in court in Oakland, Calif. Jesus Molina Jersey . In the days leading up to the draft, TSN.ca and TSN Radio basketball analyst Duane Watson looks at some of the names that will be headlining the event. Watch the 2014 NBA Draft on TSN, Thursday at 7pm et/4pm pt. http://www.nationalsoccermexico.com/customized/. - Suspended Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon has voluntarily checked into a treatment facility and seems to be doing well. Diego Reyes Mexico Jersey . made a diving catch in left field for the final out in a 1-0 victory over the Miami Marlins in a regular-season finale Sunday. Zimmermann (14-5) allowed only two baserunners, finishing with 10 strikeouts and one walk in the fifth no-hitter in the majors this year. Javier Aquino Mexico Jersey . Lauzon rushed for 42 yards on 15 carries for the Vert et Or (2-3) while quarterback Jeremi Roch completed 19-of-32 passes for 251 yards and one interception. Alexandre Aube scored the other touchdown for Sherbrooke.TORONTO - Canada, runner-up at the Womens Rugby World Cup this summer, is one of seven teams granted automatic qualification for the 2017 tournament.World Rugby, formerly known as the International Rugby Board, says the top seven teams from the 2014 competition — champion England, Canada, France, Ireland, New Zealand, U.S. and Australia — are confirmed for the 2017 tournament.The remaining five teams will be determined through qualification to include:— The two best-ranked 6 Nations Womens teams (outside of those teams already qualified) from the combined results of the 2015 and 2016 Womens 6 Nations tournaments.— The winner of a home-and-away playofff match between the lowest-ranked side in the Womens 6 Nations (combined 2015 and 2016 results and outside of the teams already qualified) and the Rugby Europe womens champion.dddddddddddd The two best-ranked teams from a final qualifying tournament featuring South Africa, one team from Oceania and two teams from Asia.A decision on tournament host will be made in May 2015.The Womens World Cup, which was won by England by a 21-9 score over Canada in Paris in August, will move to 2017 to maximize synergy with the Olympic and Rugby World Cup Sevens cycles, according to World Rugby. The event will return to a four-year cycle after 2017. ' ' '