Altomare upsets top-seed Minjee in LPGA

Top-seed Minjee Lee has suffered a shock loss at the LPGA Tour's Match Play, going down to Brittany Altomare in the second round of group play.

Altomare rallied to beat Lee 2 and 1 on Thursday in hot conditions at Shadow Creek, with the Australian now in a must-win contest against unbeaten German Caroline Masson.

Lee grabbed a 3-up lead through the first five holes and still had a three-stroke advantage through seven holes.

Altomare then began her surge, claiming five of the next seven holes with birdies for a 2-up lead. She halved Nos.15, 16 and 17 to seal the victory.

The 64-player field is divided into 16 groups of four in a round-robin group stage. The group winners will advance to a 16-player, single-elimination bracket.

Lee, the world No.4, is trying to win for the second straight event after taking the Founders Cup in New Jersey and had a resounding 6 & 5 win over Youngin Chun on Wednesday.

Compatriot Hannah Green didn't fare well either, losing 5 & 3 to Jenny Shin after her first-match 2 & 1 win over Haeji Kang.

The West Australian will now meet German Sophia Popov, who is yet to post a win.

Chevron Championship winner Jennifer Kupcho improved to 1-1, edging Lauren Stephenson 3 and 2.