Sorestam storms to win in Phoenix
Annika Sorenstam’s never-say-die attitude secured the 58th LPGA title of her career with a successful defence of the Safeway International in Phoenix.
But the sympathy vote went to Mexico’s Lorena Ochoa, who threw away a big lead before losing in a play-off to the world number one.
Ochoa had led from round one and seemed to be cruising to her third victory on a final day of strong, gusting winds when she stood four shots ahead with just three holes to play.
But she double-bogeyed the 16th, dropped another shot at the 17th and that opened the door for Sorenstam to produce a remarkable birdie at the 18th to draw level. The Swede shot 70, Ochoa had a 74 and they tied on 11-under 277.
In the sudden-death play-off at the 508-yard 18th, Ochoa hit her tee shot into water and lost out to Sorenstam’s straightforward par five.
“I’ve learned over the years never to give up,” said Sorenstam, who has now won her first two events of the season and four in a row on the LPGA Tour.
“But I love the thrill of coming down the stretch knowing there is still a chance and trying to pull it off.”
The shot that made it possible was a 240-yard four wood second at the last in regulation. It was a 217-yard carry and just cleared the bunkers to end up within 20-feet of the hole for an easy two-putt birdie.
For a tearful Ochoa, it was a bitter blow. “I just made some big mistakes and gave it away,” she conceded.
Fifteen-year-old Michelle Wie was joint 12th after a 71.
