Sorenstam, Ochoa clash in 'Major of Asia'

SINGAPORE: Former world No 1 Annika Sorenstam faces the woman who ousted her, Lorena Ochoa, for the first time this season in a clash of the titans at the HSBC Champions tournament in Singapore.

Sorenstam, one of the most prolific winners in women's golfing history, suffered a disappointing injury-plagued 2007 but bounced back with victory at the season-opening SBS Open earlier this month.

It was her 70th career title and underlined the world No 2 is back in business. She followed it up with fourth place at the Fields Open in Hawaii last weekend.

In contrast, Ochoa, who won eight times last season, opted to open her season here at the newly created HSBC Women's Champions dubbed the "Major of Asia" by several top players.

The tournament, with $2 million in prize money at Tanah Merah Country Club, is the biggest and richest women's event staged in the region and has attracted the world's top 15 players.

Only winners on the LPGA Tour, and champions from the Ladies European Tour and tours in Japan, Korea, Australasia and Asia are eligible.

"It's really gratifying to see that the preparation I've done has paid off and now I really want to put '07 behind me and say 'Hey, I'm a contender', and I intend to be all year," said Sorenstam, who has suffered neck problems.

"I think it's going to be easier for the rest of the year for me knowing that I'm swinging great and knowing the desire is there."

And the Swede, the first player to pass $20 million in tournament earnings in LPGA history, is excited at taking on a player who has dominated over the past 12 months.

"Last year I wasn't a contender. Since she's been No 1 I haven't played well," she said.

"I love head-to-head stuff and I'm ready. She's played fantastic golf and I know I have to elevate my game, but that's what this is all about."

Mexico's Ochoa, who stormed onto the scene in earnest last year, is looking forward to swinging her clubs for the first time this season.

"I am excited about playing in Singapore for the first time and I think the HSBC Women's Champions will be a great event on the LPGA Tour," she said.

"I have heard lots of good things about the Garden Course and I am very keen to get my 2008 season off to a strong start so I hope I can put in a good performance."

While Sorenstam and Ochoa's rivalry will be keenly watched, any number of women have the game to tame them.

World No 3 Suzann Petersen won five times in 2007 and is gunning for more while Australian veteran Karrie Webb and South Korean trailblazer Se Ri Pak can never be ruled out.

AFP

(China Daily 02/28/2008 page22)