Britain's Laura Davies bounced back to form with a superb threeunder-par 68 to share the lead after the first round of the US Women's Open at Blackwolf Run, Kohler, Wisconsin.

A round of four birdies - including one at the 421-yard last where she almost holed out with a sixiron second shot - saw her finish alongside American Kim Williams.

They led by a shot from another two US players, Leslie Spalding and Pat Hurst, and the young Korean sensation, Se Ri Pak.

By her standards, Davies, the former world number one, has had a miserable year. She missed five cuts from 14 starts, and admitted: "It's been a real struggle and my confidence is at an all-time low."