IN BRIEF : Unheralded Golfer Leads in Japan

Unheralded Mieko Ishikawa, displaying excellent approach shots and sharp putting, shot a 4-under-par 68 today for a three-stroke lead after the first round of the $385,000 Konica-Cup World Ladies Tournament.

The field includes Nancy Lopez, second on the LPGA money list. Lopez shot a 74, tied for 18th with nine others.

Other Americans in the tournament are Krystal Parker and Kim Bauer, both tied for third with five others at 72.

At 73 were Americans Kathy Baker and Michele McGann and six other golfers.

First place is worth $69,000.