Ochoa claims LPGA hat-trick

2007-08-27 10:04

Oregon - Lorena Ochoa rolled to a third straight LPGA title on Sunday, posting a five-shot victory in the $1.7m Safeway Classic.

The world number one from Mexico fired a one-under 71 for a 12-under total of 204, adding the title to the Women's British Open and Canadian Open crowns she won earlier this month.

She became the first player on the LPGA Tour to win three straight tournaments since former world number one Annika Sorenstam of Sweden accomplished the feat in 2005.

"I think it's hard to realize right now, you know, but every week I play, I play to win, that's why I'm here," Ochoa said. "I knew I could do it."

On the heels of shooting a six-under-par 66 in Saturday's second round, Ochoa rebounded after two early bogeys to card birdies in four of her next seven holes.

"It's been an interesting day," Ochoa said. "I did not start the best way making a couple of bogeys, but I felt that I was in control and I was very calm, and I was just a lot of confident.

"I played really good today (Sunday) on the back nine. Everyone is different, but, again, it was a great day. I really enjoyed myself, and I was able to just have control."

Conservative play and a formidable lead enabled the Mexican to coast to the finish at the Columbia Edgewater Country Club.

"I was nervous on 18," Ochoa said. "Even though I (had a) five-shot lead, I was a little bit nervous putting that last one."

In 19 starts this season, Ochoa has recorded 16 top-10 finishes and six victories.

A quartet of golfers finished tied for second at 7-under. South Korea's In-Bee Park shot an 8-under-64 to finish tied with Christina Kim, Sweden's Sophie Gustafson and Scotland's Mhairi McKay.

"I felt like I played consistent all day today (Sunday)," McKay said. "I had a couple of near misses and a couple of holes that were frustrating."

- AFP