Sorenstam to begin LPGA campaign

Sorenstam has finished no worse than third in her last five openers

World number one Annika Sorenstam makes her first appearance of the season as the LPGA Tour travels to Mexico for the $1.2m MasterCard Classic.

Sorenstam will defend her title at the 6,932-yard par-72 course at Bosque Real Country Club, after a three-shot win over Australian Karrie Webb last year.

Ominously for her rivals, the Swede has won her last two season openers.

Also in the field are Joo Mi Kim and Meena Lee, both of whom have won this year in Sorenstam's absence.

Home hopes rest with Lorena Ochoa, the first Mexican to win on the LPGA Tour, who jumped from 28th to fifth in the final round of this event last year.

Sorenstam, winner of 66 LPGA events, defended six of her eight titles last season and added two more majors to her collection.