A conflicted Pettersen carries on with homeland in mind

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland -- The rain that fell during virtually every shot Suzann Pettersen struck in the first round of the Ricoh Women's British Open was an appropriate reflection of her mood. The tears she shed later that night, after opening with a 76 to be 11 strokes off the lead, reflected the pain, disappointment and confusion she felt teeing it up at Carnoustie GL less than a week after the murderous tragedy at home in Norway.

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On Friday, a determined Pettersen fought back with a 66 that moved her to two-under par going into the weekend. That will leave her at least a half-dozen strokes back as the lack of wind has made the shortened version of Carnoustie ripe for the taking, but it sure beats the alternative.

"At least I'm playing on the weekend," she said after making a birdie on No. 18 to finish her second round. Those close to Pettersen said she took her disappointing first round very hard, crying when behind closed doors, in part because she felt she had let her country down.