Sorenstam Takes Lead in "Final" Tournament

Might Annika Sorenstam be fashioning a fairytale finish to her superlative career? Today, she took the lead after the second round of the Ladies European Tour Dubai Ladies Masters. This event is the "final" one of her career, before she "steps away" from golf.

I put "steps away" in quotation marks because that is the term Sorenstam has made a point to use, rather than "retire." "Final" is in quotes because, as I've said before, I believe Sorenstam will be back on the LPGA Tour after several years away from the game.

But for now, the Dubai Ladies Masters represents the last tournament of Sorenstam's year, and perhaps of her career. So it's being treated as her going-away party. (One thing is certain: Sorenstam won't be playing anywhere in 2009.)

Sorenstam posted a 66 in today's second round, which, added to her first-round 70, puts her at 8-under 136. That's one stroke ahead of Australia's Nikki Garrett.

For complete coverage of the Dubai Ladies Masters, check out the LET Web site.