Lorena Ochoa romps to second major victory by five shots

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

RANCHO MIRAGE, California (Reuters) - World number one Lorena Ochoa underlined her dominance in the women's game by charging to a second successive major title by five shots at the Kraft Nabisco Championship on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Mexican, a stroke ahead overnight, fired a flawless five-under-par 67 to pull away from the field on a breezy sun-drenched day at Mission Hills Country Club.

Ochoa, who clinched her first major title at last year's Women's British Open, closed the door on the chasing pack with a three-birdie run from the eighth before finishing at 11-under 277.

It was the 20th LPGA victory of her career, and her third this year in just four starts.

"This was a great day," a soaked Ochoa told reporters after making the traditional champion's leap into the pond bordering the 18th green with more than 20 family members and relatives.

"For some reason, I couldn't stop thinking of that jump in the lake. It was something that I've been waiting for a long time.

"The great thing was starting with a couple of birdies so we were able to get a good momentum," added the Mexican, who became the first woman to win back-to-back majors since Swede Annika Sorenstam at the 2005 McDonald's LPGA Championship.

"The rest was just amazing. I played like the British Open. It was something that I enjoyed a lot and it was very easy at the same time. I can't be happier."

Ochoa won last year's British Open at St. Andrews by four shots, having led from the opening round.

STOMACH PAIN

Three-times champion Sorenstam, who considered withdrawing during Saturday's third round at Mission Hills because of intense stomach pain, signed off with a 68 to tie for second place.

The Swedish world number two piled up five birdies and a lone bogey to finish at six under, level with Norway's Suzann Pettersen (68).

""There was a time yesterday where I didn't know if I was going to finish and now I'm glad I did," Sorenstam said. "It's nice to leave with a solid round in the sixties.

"Overall I'm pleased to come back and fight the way I did and I'm going to remember this round for many reasons."

Ochoa, who had romped to a seven-shot victory at last week's Safeway International, made a fast start to the final round at Mission Hills with birdies on the first two holes.