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23:09 GMT, Tuesday, 29 July 2008 00:09 UK

Sorenstam targets Sunningdale win

Women's British Open, Sunningdale, 31 July-3 August
Live on BBC TV with leaderboard updates on the BBC Sport website

Annika Sorenstam retires at the end of the season

Annika Sorenstam is hoping to bring down her major career with victory in the Women's British Open.

The tournament at Sunningdale starts on Thursday and sees the Swede, who retires at the end of the season, hoping for her 11th major victory.

"My expectations are always high and this is the only major that I haven't won two or three times," she said.

"If I could win here this week then I would say I've pretty much achieved everything that I possibly can."

Sorenstam, 37, has business plans for next year and hopes to start a family after retiring.

"This is the last major and I would love to play well here"
Annika Sorenstam

And the Swede believes she will keep her emotions firmly in check during the competition.

"There have been a few tournaments where I've kind of choked up coming down the stretch," added Sorenstam.

"But I think it's easy when you make the decision on your own, when you feel content about something and you know it's the right reason.

"I really don't get that emotional. This is the last major and I would love to play well here, but it's not the end of the world.

"I can't think of a better timing because I'm leaving on my terms, at a really healthy stage for the LPGA and it feels good."

606: DEBATE
"How will Sorenstam do in the Women's British Open?"


World number one Lorena Ochoa of Mexico is the defending champion and favourite.

She won her maiden major by four strokes at St Andrews last year, and took the first one of this year, the Kraft Nabisco Championship in California, by five strokes in April.

Those were two of 20 victories Ochoa has claimed since the start of 2006 - only four fewer than Tiger Woods.

But the 26-year-old has no intention of matching Sorenstam's longevity, stating her intention to remain at the head of the women's game for another "five to six years" before retiring.

"I want to be number one as long as I play," Ochoa said. "Life is too short. There are many things I want to do outside of golf.

"This is already my sixth year (as a professional), so should be good - 10-12 years and then move on."

"I'm having a good season and it would be lovely to win it again"
Former winner Karen Stupples

Britain's challenge will come from the likes of former winner Karen Stupples, Catriona Matthew, Laura Davies, Mhairi McKay, Melissa Reid and Rebecca Hudson.

Stupples who the last time the Open was staged at Sunningdale in 2004, starting her final round of 64 with eagle, albatross on her way to a four-shot victory.

"I was well ahead and was able to enjoy the moment," said the 35-year-old. "I remember everyone cheering and all the English flags. It was great."

Since then, Stupples has become a mum to son Logan and admits her priorities have changed.

"He's the most fantastic addition to my family and far more important than golf," she added.

"But I am still determined to do well. I'm having a good season (including one second place) and it would be lovely to do it again this week."

American teenager Michelle Wie, now 244th in the women's rankings, has opted against competing at Sunningdale, choosing instead to play at a men's event in the USA.



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Related to this story:

Wie criticised for missing Open (29 Jul 08 |  Golf )
Ochoa romps to second major title (06 Apr 08 |  Golf )
Ochoa cruises to British Open win (05 Aug 07 |  Golf )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Ricoh Women's British Open
LPGA Tour
Ladies European Tour
Annika Sorenstam
Sunningdale
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