GOLD COAST, Australia — Former English Open champion Becky Brewerton shot a 5-under 67 Thursday for a share of the lead at the Australian Ladies Masters.

South Korea's Lee Il-hee, Marianne Skarpnord of Norway and South African Lee-Anne Pace also finished at 5 under.

Brewerton, of Wales, had seven birdies but lost her chance for the outright lead with a double-bogey on the second hole, her 11th, when she hooked her drive into the trees.

"I had a clear shot, which was lucky, but the root behind the ball almost ripped the club out of my hand," she said. "I had a fantastic start to the day, firing at all the pins and getting to five-under after nine holes, but then I hit that horrendous shot at the second."

Trailing the leaders by one shot were Spain's Carmen Alonso, South Korea's Kim Hye-youn, South Africa's Stacy Lee Bregman and Finland's Ursula Wikstrom.

Women's British Open champion Ji-yai Shin of South Korea finished with a 69 for a share of ninth place with local hope Katherine Hull, who closed with a 7-foot birdie put.

Six-time Australian Ladies Masters champion Karrie Webb had an opening 70, three shots off the lead. LPGA Championship winner Yani Tseng of Taiwan shot a 71 despite struggling to overcome food poisoning. Tseng was equal with Japan's Ai Miyazato at 1-under.

Australian Webb said she was satisfied with her "scratchy" 70 given her lack of practice and the fact she hasn't played a tournament since last September.

Defending champion Lisa Hall of England shot a 6-over 78, including five bogies and a double bogey. She was one stroke ahead of British veteran Laura Davies.