Wie still unable to cut it in men's game

Michelle Wie's attempts to compete with the men suffered another blow when she slumped to a nine-over-par 81 in the first round…

Michelle Wie's attempts to compete with the men suffered another blow when she slumped to a nine-over-par 81 in the first round of the Casio Open in Japan.

Starting at the 10th, the Hawaii-born 17-year-old had a run of five bogeys in six holes from the 12th to turn in 41.

Her performance improved only marginally on her second nine, which saw her drop a further four shots.

"I don't think it was pressure," said Wie, who is playing in her 12th event against the men but has made only one cut.

"I don't think I was playing that bad. My long game put a lot pressure on my short game.

"I have to get my confidence back on my drive and just hit the ball the way I always do and I'll be fine."

Wie finished the opening day next but last in the 102-strong field - 15 shots
behind Volvo Masters champion Jeev Milkha Singh.

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