TUCSON, Arizona, 28 February 2004 — Frank Lickliter began his title defense at the $3 million Chrysler Classic of Tucson with a bang Thursday, nabbing nine birdies en route to a nine-under-par 63. America’s Lickliter has served notice to the field that he is taking his defense seriously.

Lickliter saved par from 3 1/2 feet at the 18th hole for his longest par putt of the round. He credited his good scoring to his driving.

Carlos Franco of Paraguay, Australians Steve Allan and Mark Hensby and Swede Per-Ulrik Johansson all fired seven-under 65s. Americans Olin Browne, Harrison Frazar and Bill Glasson and Angel Cabrera of Argentina posted 66s.

Seeking his second win in three weeks and third straight top-five finish, American John Daly headed a group of 11 players at 67. Things didn’t look good early for Hensby, who drove his tee shot into the water at the 10th hole — his first. “That’s not the kind of start I was looking for,” he said. “But I made a par and then birdied the next hole.”

Hensby played bogey-free over the 7,109-yard, par-72 Omni Tucson course, giving himself a chance at his first US title. Hensby has played well here before, tying for ninth three years ago in his only other Tucson appearance.

Franco had an eagle, six birdies and a bogey. A regular on the US tour since 1999 who won three times in his first two seasons, Franco is looking to get back in the winner’s circle. Franco has had only three top-10s since 1999 but hopes for better results with his switch to a belly putter.

Rain Washes Out Play at WGC

In Carlsbad, California failed to live up to its sunny reputation Thursday as overnight rain left the La Costa course unplayable and forced officials to postpone the second round of the $7 million Match Play Championship.

Nearly two inches of rain left the course under water in many places, and after several delays the 16 scheduled matches was put back until yesterday morning.

Officials still hoped to complete the third round by sundown yesterday, getting the World Golf Championships event back on track. Shea said the worst part of the course was probably the 14th hole, where the fairway had turned into a river.

Stupples the Halfway Leader in Aussie Masters

In Gold Coast, Australia, England’s Karen Stupples produced a late flurry of birdies to grab the halfway lead in the A$800,000 ($615,000) Australian Ladies Masters at Royal Pines here yesterday.

Stupples’ second round 67 left her nine-under par and two shots ahead of Australian Anne-Marie Knight and Filipino Jennifer Rosales, who produced a flawless 65.

Overnight leader Rachel Teske of Australia imploded on her homeward nine with four bogeys, dropping her into a tie for fourth with world No. 1 Annika Sorenstam. The Swede, who opened with 69 to be five under for the tournament and four behind Stupples, was happy enough with her position heading into the weekend.