Sorenstam makes winning start

Sorenstam is focussed on improving her game

Sweden's Annika Sorenstam, the top women's player in the game last year, launched her 2002 LPGA season in style with a play-off victory in the Takefuji Classic on Saturday.

Sorenstam, who won eight titles during 2001, birdied the first hole of the sudden-death decider to defeat Canada's Lorie Kane at the par-70 Waikoloa Beach Resort.

Kane missed her own birdie attempt at the par-five 18th for Sorenstam to clinch the 32nd win of her career.

I work really hard on my game and I worked hard all winter

Annika Sorenstam

"What can I say, I'm overwhelmed," the Swede said afterwards.

"I am super happy and I cannot believe that I walked away with another trophy."

The 31-year-old Sorenstam closed with a second successive 66 to finish the 54 holes at 14-under-par 196.

Kane returned a final round of 67, while Heather Bowie (65) and South Korea's Gloria Park (65) shared third place at 12-under 198.

Sorenstam won her first tournament of the year at the end of February in the Australian Ladies Masters, an event not sanctioned by the LPGA.

"So far, it is a great year and I could not ask for anything better," the Swede said.

"I work really hard on my game and I worked hard all winter, working out, and then a lot of practice."

"I am very happy about last year, but I believe that I can do better this year and I just have to focus my game and improve on certain areas."