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Wie makes million-dollar move

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Michelle Wie putts on No. 16 on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, during the second round of the LPGA's CME Group Tour Championship golf tournament at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Fla. (AP Photo/Naples Daily News, Corey Perrine)

NAPLES, Fla. >> Michelle Wie suddenly is in a position to consider a million ways how a great year can get even better.

On a tough day that only rewarded the best shots, Wie holed out for eagle with a pitching wedge on her way to a 5-under 67 that moved her up high enough on the leaderboard Friday at the CME Group Tour Championship to get into position for a $1 million bonus.

Carlota Ciganda of Spain took advantage of a putting lesson from Spanish great Jose Maria Olazabal to make five birdies for a 67 that gave her a share of the lead with Julieta Granada of Paraguay, who scrambled for a 71. They were at 7-under 137 going into the weekend at the Tiburon Golf Club.

Morgan Pressel, who rallied on the back nine Thursday to overcome a rugged start, shot a 66 and was one shot out of the lead.

All of them would love to win the LPGA Tour season finale because it’s a big title with a $500,000 check for first place. None has a mathematical chance at the $1 million bonus for winning the points-based Race to CME Globe.

And that’s where Wie comes in.

Wie, who captured her first major this year at Pinehurst No. 2 in the U.S. Women’s Open, is No. 4 in the Race to CME Globe. Only the top three players — Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park and 17-year-old Lydia Ko — can win the $1 million bonus simply by winning the tournament.

Wie needs a little bit of help, only she did most of the heavy lifting.

Even though she made bogey on the par-5 opening hole that irritated her, the 25-year-old from Punahou bounced back with her eagle on No. 7, birdies on the par 5s and a score that put her only two shots out of the lead.

"All I want is an opportunity, a chance," Wie said. "I’m really proud of myself for giving myself that today. I just want to go out there tomorrow and put myself in a great position for Sunday. That’s all I want, and that’s all I’m asking for. Whatever happens, happens."

She did get some help from the top three.

Lewis shot a 74 to match Park. Ko had another 71 and was five shots behind.

Doug Ferguson, Associated Press

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