Sorenstam (65) in a Familiar Position

Annika Sorenstam’s new year is already starting to look a lot like her old one.

In her first tournament of the season, Sorenstam shot a seven-under-par 65 Saturday to take a two-stroke lead into the final round of the Safeway Ping tournament.

The dominant player in women’s golf, winning 11 LPGA tournaments last year, Sorenstam birdied three of her first four holes and nine overall to get to 18 under through three rounds at the Moon Valley Country Club.

It was a familiar position for Sorenstam, who has led after three rounds for three years in a row. And it could have been better had she not taken four strokes to get in from just off the green on No. 10, and missed a short birdie putt on 18.

“All the pieces are really falling together,” Sorenstam said. “I’m where I want to be, and my game’s where I want it to be.”

Sorenstam, who has improved by one shot each day, was two strokes ahead of Frenchwoman Patricia Meunier-Lebouc, one of her playing partners.

Two more strokes back at 15 under were Karrie Webb, Se Ri Pak and Grace Park.

Sorenstam started the day in a four-way tie with Webb, Pak and Meunier-Lebouc, none of whom had much hope Sorenstam would blow a third-round lead as she did in 2002.

“I have to shoot in the low 60s tomorrow to have a chance,” Webb said. “She’s not making any mistakes.”

With no rough and lots of sun, it was a combination made for scoring.

“This course has shown you can shoot low,” said Sorenstam, who shot a historic 59 here two years ago. “Things are just perfect out there.”