Ochoa eyes another title at Samsung World Championship

Oct 2, 2008 - 3:38 AM HALF MOON BAY, California (Ticker) -- A different setting is not expected to slow down Lorena Ochoa this week at the Samsung World Championship.

The two-time reigning champion of this event, Ochoa will be defending her title on a new track when play begins Thursday.

After four years at Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert, this $1 million event has moved north 500 miles north to the Ocean Course at Half Moon Bay Golf Links. The way the world No. 1 has been playing, the change in venue will likely have little influence on her game.

Ochoa has posted seven victories this season, the latest at the Navistar Classic last week, when she won in a playoff. The popular Mexican is looking to become the first player to win the Samsung in three consecutive years.

"It's very tough, having the best players. And I am just really happy to be here and have an opportunity to defend my title," Ochoa said. "I would love to win again, so I'm going to try really hard. I think it's most important just to enjoy everything every day and be up there on Sunday."

Annika Sorenstam (1995-96, 2002, 2004-05), Juli Inkster (1997-98, 2000) and Beth Daniel (1980-81, 1994) are the only players who have won this event at least three times.

"I'm happy to be here. As you said, it's been a great tournament for me throughout the years. I've done really, really well," Sorenstam said. "I think it's fantastic that the LPGA is here and having a chance to stage the 20 best players in the world in a venue like this. So I'm really looking forward to the week."

Last year, Ochoa shot four rounds in the 60s and finished at 18-under-par 270, four strokes better than Mi Hyun Kim.

Also in the 20-player field - vying for the $250,000 first prize - are Sorenstam, Inkster, Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr, Song-Hee Kim, Suzann Pettersen, Yani Tseng and Karrie Webb.