Sorenstam wants world No 1 back
SINGAPORE: Swedish superstar Annika Sorenstam issued a warning Tuesday that she wants her world No 1 ranking back, but admitted it won't be easy.
Sorenstam, hindered by a ruptured disk in her neck, gave up her position as the top golfer in the world last year to Mexico's Lorena Ochoa, who won eight times on the US LPGA Tour in a breakthrough season.
But the 37-year-old, one of the most successful women's golfers ever with 70 career victories, is back in business, winning the first tournament of the season in Hawaii and finishing fourth at the Fields Open last weekend.
Ochoa missed the opening two events but they clash at the inaugural HSBC Women's Champions tournament in Singapore this week, with Sorenstam feeling in fine fettle.
"It will take a lot for me to get back to No 1 again. I have a lot of catching up to do," said the 10-time Major winner, currently the world No 2.
"I'll take it one step at a time but Hawaii was a good first step. There is a long way to go and a lot of hungry players out there.
"But I've definitely got a spring in my step. The neck injury is something I want to forget about. I feel healthy now and I'm happy to be here."
Sorenstam's rivalry with Ochoa is being billed as on par with the one between men's world No 1 Tiger Woods and world No 2 Phil Mickelson.
But while those two reportedly exchange few words, Sorenstam, an eight-time Player of the Year, said it was a very friendly business on the women's tour.
"There's a lot of friendly, respectful rivalries out there and it's great to be a part of it," she said.
Sorenstam and Ochoa spearhead the field at the $2 million HSBC Champions tournament, the biggest and richest women's golf event ever staged in the region.
Only winners on the LPGA Tour, and champions from the Ladies European Tour and tours in Japan, Korea, Australasia and Asia are eligible.
Dubbed "Asia's major", it gets underway at Tanah Merah Country Club from Thursday.
AFP
(China Daily 02/27/2008 page22)
