Ochoa hits back for tenth title

Mexico’s Lorena Ochoa claimed her 10th career title with a final round 68 at Superstition Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona.

Four shots ahead overnight, the 25-year-old fell two behind Suzann Pettersen when the Norwegian struck early with four birdies in a row from the second.

But the top player on the LPGA Tour last year hit back with four birdies in five holes from the 14th for an 18-under-par total of 270 as she enjoyed the perfect build-up to this week’s first major of the season, the Kraft Nabisco Championship in California.

Pettersen, seeking a first LPGA title and a second professional victory to set alongside the 2001 French Open, had a 66 and was two shots behind on 16-under par.

American Laura Diaz and South Korean Jeong Jang shared third on 10-under.

Two-time winner Annika Sorenstam closed with a 71 for joint eighth on seven under.

Britain’s Catriona Matthew, in her first tournament since having baby Katie in December, had a hugely impressive week. She closed with a 69 and finished in joint fifth place on nine under-par.

“It’s great to come back and do well so quickly,” said the 37-year-old Scot. “Now I’m looking forward to the major next week.”

Ochoa threw away this title with a terrible finish two years ago, but it was her strong finale that clinched her first title of the season.

“Suzann played great but I’m just delighted to win,” she said.

“When she got ahead I knew I had to stay patient and hope the putts would fall.”

One ahead playing the par-five 18th, Ochoa sealed victory with a birdie four.