Wie surges into contention

Michelle Wie moved into contention for the first time since injuring her wrists, carding a 7-under 65 yesterday that left her a shot off the lead held by Christina Kim at the LPGA State Farm.

It was easily Wie's best round of the year and reminiscent of how she played before falling down and breaking her left wrist in February 2007 while visiting Stanford University. That injury sent her on a downward spiral of missed cuts and bad decisions that left many wondering if Wie would ever contend again.

But in both rounds this week, Wie managed eagles on par-4s by holing shots from the fairway. Now, if she can get her putter working consistently, the 18-year-old may have a shot at winning her first tournament on tour and securing her card for 2009 without having to go to qualifying school.

"I hit a really good shot and it was like wow, it went in again," Wie said of the eagle she made at her first hole. "This makes my life really easy."

Wie is tied with three other golfers, including veteran Sherri Turner. Most of the big names, including the top five golfers in the world, skipped this event, giving Wie a good chance to win for the first time since turning pro nearly three years ago. She is currently ranked No. 238 in the world.

Fellow Hawaii golfers Dean Wilson and Parker McLachlin weren't as successful as Wie yesterday. McLachlin shot a 74 to miss the cut at the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee by two shots and Wilson landed on the cut line with a 73 after opening with a 65 on Thursday.

Wilson will be among the first golfers out today. He is 2 under for the tournament and trails co-leaders Richard S. Johnson and Nick Flanagan by eight shots.