Sorenstam wants to be top of the world again

Annika Sorenstam has let it be known she wants the women’s world number one spot back off Mexican Lorena Ochoa.

Preparing for her defence of the Dubai Masters tomorrow – the last chance she has to avoid her first winless season since 1994 – the 37-year-old Swede said in a Ladies European Tour press release: “I can tell you that my goal for 2008 is to get to the top.

“I’ve already made arrangements to train at the end of the season. I’m planning around things more – and I want to get back.”

Sorenstam has a total of 84 victories to her name, 69 of them in America and 10 of them majors – but after suffering a neck injury early this year, she has slipped to third in the world behind Ochoa and Australian Karrie Webb.

“I have had other business ventures which have kept me in good spirits [she also became engaged in August], and it has helped me to cope with the bad results,” she added.

“But I feel that my motivation is coming back, because I don’t like to be in the situation I have been in this year – where I am not competing.

“I am a competitive person, and there is nothing better than coming down the stretch to win. I haven’t had so many chances this year, so I’m excited about next year. I know my expectations will be higher.

“I had never dealt with an injury. I didn’t know what a long process it is. I have learned that this year. I think it makes you appreciate when you feel good and when things are going your way.”