BETHAN CUTLER: We’d like to welcome Annika Sorenstam, leading on 8 under par by one stroke. Annika had a wonderful round of 6 under 66 today on the front nine for 5 under with an eagle and three birdies. Could you just start by telling us about that wonderful front nine?
ANNIKA SORENSTAM: Thank you. I’ve been very pleased with the front nine. Like you said a nice eagle on the third hole and hit a 5 iron quite close to ten feet and rolled that in. Kick started my day right there. Very pleased.
My goal was to clean up the round that I had yesterday with no bogeys and I was able to do that. So very, very happy.

Q. Great front nine, but I’m sure you must be a little disappointed with your back nine with three par 5s and just one birdie.
ANNIKA SORENSTAM: I wish I could have done a little better. I know I had a lot of chances and edges really. I hit the pin on the 11th hole, but I hit some good shots and I hit some good putts that just didn’t go in. So overall, the round, 6 under, better than yesterday and in great position, so I’m not going to be too hard on myself.

Q. Annika, did you think the second round lead was attainable when you set off at lunchtime today?
ANNIKA SORENSTAM: You know, I never really go out and try to put myself in a certain position. It’s really more about hitting one shot at a time and posting a good score. I felt very good about my game yesterday, and like I said, I just wasn’t tidy enough and let some shots go away.
The goal today was just to play steady golf and I did that. We have a long ways to go but I’m very happy with the round and where I am.

Q. Of course, you’re happy to be going out tomorrow?
ANNIKA SORENSTAM: Absolutely. I think that’s what we all want.

Q. You just missed a putt on the 18th. How was that?
ANNIKA SORENSTAM: You’re right, it just rolled next to the hole on the left. I thought it was going to break to the water, which is a little bit left to right, and hit it where I thought, just didn’t go in. I had several of those today that just missed a little bit on the side. Either it broke too much or not enough.
It’s always a little tougher in the afternoon to get exactly the right line, but I’m very happy with the way I putted overall. Some went in and some didn’t. Two more days, and hopefully some will drop.

Q. Is the cold gone?
ANNIKA SORENSTAM: No, this cold is not gone. I actually feel a little tired. I was very focused today and wanted to have a good round, so I felt like I gave all the energy I have. I need a good night’s rest again and get ready for the weekend. It’s going to be a long one.

Q. Your thoughts on the course conditions today?
ANNIKA SORENSTAM: Same with yesterday. Every day is perfect here. Weather wise, there’s a little breeze, the course is in good shape. I think there are some opportunities to score out there, because the weather is so perfect.

Q. Can you tell us about the henna tattoo on your ankle?
ANNIKA SORENSTAM: I just got it in the Pro Am. At the Pro Am party they had it set up and I thought it would be fun to put the company logo on there. My sister has the academy on it and my mom has something on her foot and Mike’s mother has something on her hands that says Annika. It was a little group thing we did that we thought it was appropriate, being in this part of the world, trying some of their traditions.

Q. The extra responsibility of acknowledging the spectators and they are cheering you on; was it difficult today to concentrate on the game?
ANNIKA SORENSTAM: No, I’m aware of the attention and I’m aware of the support that I have. It’s very nice of course. I embrace it more than anything. But you know, once I’m inside the ropes, I just focus on my game and the shots I need to hit. You know, after 15 years, I just got a little bit of practise from that. So I know where to put my energy and my focus.