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Amateur Proves Her Place at US Open

Fearless 18-year-old Uribe sits near the lead after opening day

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 27, 2008 9:03 AM CDT

(Newser) – Lorena Ochoa may be the young golfing sensation who helped to edge Annika Sorenstam out of the limelight, but now she finds herself impressed by a new youthful challenger. Maria Jose Uribe, the 18-year-old reigning Amateur champion, finished the first day of the US Women's Open only two strokes off the lead in a tie for fourth place, the Washington Post reports.

"I like the aggressiveness," Ochoa said. "She's not afraid, and that's important." After the first day, Pat Hurst and Ji Young Oh are tied at the top with 67, followed by Song-Hee Kim (68), and three others, including Uribe, at 69. Ochoa finished at par-73. Another notable, Michelle Wie, struggled with an 81 and will need a great round to make the cut.

Ji Young Oh of South Korea acknowledges the gallery Thursday, June 26, 2008 as she finishes the first round of the U.S. Women's Open golf championship in first place with 6-under-67.
Ji Young Oh of South Korea acknowledges the gallery Thursday, June 26, 2008 as she finishes the first round of the U.S. Women's Open golf championship in first place with 6-under-67.   (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Maria Jose Uribe of Colombia reacts to a missed eagle putt on the 18th green Thursday, June 26, 2008 during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open golf championship.
Maria Jose Uribe of Colombia reacts to a missed eagle putt on the 18th green Thursday, June 26, 2008 during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open golf championship.   (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)
Maria Jose Uribe of Colombia watches her shot from the ninth tee. She ended the first round of the Women's US Open with a tie for fourth place at 4 under par.
Maria Jose Uribe of Colombia watches her shot from the ninth tee. She ended the first round of the Women's US Open with a tie for fourth place at 4 under par.   (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
Lorena Ochoa of Mexico reacts to a missed eagle putt on the 18th green Thursday, June 26, 2008 during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open golf championship.
Lorena Ochoa of Mexico reacts to a missed eagle putt on the 18th green Thursday, June 26, 2008 during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open golf championship.   (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)
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