Ochoa targets first US Open win

Mexico's Ochoa became world number one last year

Lorena Ochoa is determined to make it third time lucky at this week's US Women's Open after two near misses.

In 2005 at Cherry Hills, the Mexican was in contention before driving into water and taking a final-hole eight.

Last year at Pine Needles, she was tied for the lead with five to play before tailing off into a tie for second.

"I know where I made mistakes and I want to make sure that doesn't happen again (this week). I'm ready for this," said the world number one.

Ochoa, 26, also insists she is focused on this week's tournament at Interlachen, Minnesota, despite the recent deaths of two family members, including her maternal grandfather.

"The last few weeks have been rough for me," she said ahead of Thursday's first round at the Interlachen Country Club in Minnesota.

"But I feel it's important for me to get a rhythm, to get back my concentration on the course and I'll be ready to play.

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"I'm here and I'm 100% and I really want to give myself a chance to win the tournament."

Ochoa dominated the early part of the season, winning six of her first nine events, including four in a row.

And even with her recent distractions, she has finished third and sixth in her past two starts.

American defending champion Cristie Kerr comes in with her form on the up, with a fifth place on Sunday in the LPGA Wegmans event.

"I feel pretty good about my game," she said. "I had a great finish last week in Rochester, and things are starting to come together.

"The last two years my game seemed to start peaking about this time, and it's not a bad time to peak."

For all the achievements of Ochoa and Kerr, it is a safe bet that the biggest gallery on Thursday will follow Michelle Wie.

Following an injury-hit 2007 campaign, the 18-year-old Hawaiian insists she is close to full fitness and returning to the kind of form which saw her hyped as golf's next superstar.

"I was in no condition to play," she said, referring to last year when she soldiered on with a broken wrist. "I don't know what I was thinking. I think that I just prolonged my injury."

Karen Stupples will lead the British challenge at Interlachen. The 2004 Women's British Open champion thrives on long, tough courses.

She has shown great form this year with three top 10s, including a tie for second at the Michelob ULTRA Open last month, after a year out following the birth of her son.