American golf sensation Michelle Wie has fired a 1-over-par 73 to stay in contention to make the cut at the Casio World Open men's golf tournament in Kochi, Japan.
After a slow start that included three bogeys, Wie produced back-to-back birdies late in her round to stay in contention.
Japan's Toshimitsu Izawa and Yoshiaki Kimura of Japan share the first-round lead at 4-under-par 68. Taichi Teshima is tied with veteran Jumbo Ozaki and Yoneyama Tsuyoshi of Japan at 3-under-par 69.
This is the 16-year-old Wie's first tournament since being disqualified in her LPGA debut at the Samsung World Championship for signing an incorrect scorecard and after restarting from the wrong spot.
The Hawaii native turned professional last month and signed endorsement deals with Nike and Sony worth an estimated $10 million. She has previously competed in five men's events, including three on the U.S. PGA Tour, but has never made the cut.
Some information for this report provided by AP.
