Ochoa bids to earn world top spot

Ochoa is hoping for success at the Mission Hills Country club course

Mexico's Lorena Ochoa knows victory in this week's Kraft Nabisco Championship will see her take over from Annika Sorenstam as the world number one.

Ochoa, beaten by Karrie Webb in a play-off last year, starts as favourite for the first major of the year.

"I would love to win my first major and to become the world number one," said the 25-year-old, who was the leading player on the LPGA Tour last year.

"I don't know if it will happen this week but I hope to do it this year."

The Mexican is hoping to learn from her experience of 12 months ago to continue her good run of form which saw her triumph at last weekend's Safeway International in Arizona.

"It was a great learning experience here last year. I dropped a few shots on the final nine holes on the Saturday and that was what really cost me," she said.

"I had a chance, but I didn't win last year - I don't want to have that feeling again."

But Sorenstam, who has 10 majors in her 69 LPGA titles, is not ready to hand over her crown.

"I want to win more majors. It's the big tournaments that get the blood pumping and keep me excited," said the 36-year-old.

"The gap in the world rankings is getting smaller and Lorena is playing superb golf. But I am very happy with the way I am playing.

"I struggled a little with my swing last year but the difference already this season is huge."

Britain's charge will be headed by Laura Davies who needs a fifth major title to claim a place in the LPGA Hall of Fame.

The 43-year-old former world number one was the leading player in Europe for a record seventh time last season and finished in the top 15 last weekend.

"I'm feeling good and I would love to win here," she admitted.

"My driving has been great the last few weeks and I should have finished even higher last week."

She will be joined by Scottish duo Catriona Matthew and Janice Moodie and Wales' Becky Morgan.

But teenage star Michelle Wie will not compete after suffering a wrist injury last month while out running.