Ochoa bags British Open title
Tuesday, 7 August 2007
Mexico's Lorena Ochoa strolled to her coronation as Ricoh Women's British Open champion after leading from start to finish at St Andrews, reports BBC.
The world number one clinched her maiden major title with a closing 74 for five under and a four-shot win.
South Korea's Jee Young Lee and Swede Maria Hjorth were second with American Reilley Rankin third at level par.
Scotland's Catriona Matthew (73) ended two over, while 10-time major champion Annika Sorenstam (76) was four over.
"It's hard to describe but it was the most special round I've ever played," said Ochoa, who has won 12 LPGA titles, including three this year.
"It's unbelievable to win my first major and do it at St Andrews'', she said.
"I have so many family and friends here. I wasn't too nervous. I just went out and tried to play my own game and take it hole by hole. But to win at the home of golf is fantastic", she said.
Popular American Paula Creamer also finished two over after a final-round 72 on her 21st birthday, with Scotland's Mhairi McKay (67) was three over.
"I'm really proud of the way I played," said the 32-year-old McKay.
Meantime, Tiger Woods brushed aside overnight leader Rory Sabbatini and stormed to a stunning eight-shot victory in the WGC Invitational at Firestone Country Club.
The world number one trailed the South African by one shot Sunday morning but bludgeoned his way to a closing 65 for eight under par.
The world number one clinched her maiden major title with a closing 74 for five under and a four-shot win.
South Korea's Jee Young Lee and Swede Maria Hjorth were second with American Reilley Rankin third at level par.
Scotland's Catriona Matthew (73) ended two over, while 10-time major champion Annika Sorenstam (76) was four over.
"It's hard to describe but it was the most special round I've ever played," said Ochoa, who has won 12 LPGA titles, including three this year.
"It's unbelievable to win my first major and do it at St Andrews'', she said.
"I have so many family and friends here. I wasn't too nervous. I just went out and tried to play my own game and take it hole by hole. But to win at the home of golf is fantastic", she said.
Popular American Paula Creamer also finished two over after a final-round 72 on her 21st birthday, with Scotland's Mhairi McKay (67) was three over.
"I'm really proud of the way I played," said the 32-year-old McKay.
Meantime, Tiger Woods brushed aside overnight leader Rory Sabbatini and stormed to a stunning eight-shot victory in the WGC Invitational at Firestone Country Club.
The world number one trailed the South African by one shot Sunday morning but bludgeoned his way to a closing 65 for eight under par.