Ochoa wins seventh title of season

PALM DESERT, California (Reuters) - Mexico's Lorena Ochoa underlined her status as the game's leading player by cruising to a four-shot victory at the World Championship on Sunday, her seventh LPGA title of the year.

Playing immaculate golf from tee to green, the 26-year-old from Guadalajara fired a six-under-par 66 -- the lowest score of the day -- to finish on 18-under 270 at Bighorn Golf Club.

Tied for the overnight lead with Norway's Suzann Pettersen, Ochoa broke clear with two birdies in the first three holes and picked up four more shots after the turn to tighten her grip.

South Korea's Kim Mi-hyun birdied the last two holes to secure second place with a 69 while the big-hitting Pettersen had to settle for fifth spot at 12 under after closing with a 72.

LPGA rookie of the year Angela Park of South Korea and compatriot Jang Jeong closed with matching 70s to tie for third at 13 under.

Ochoa, edged out by Pettersen in a playoff for last week's Longs Drugs Challenge, was delighted to retain her title at Bighorn.

"I have been trying to get my seventh victory of this year but it has been tough the last two weeks, especially last week after losing in a playoff," the smiling Mexican told reporters after receiving the winner's check for $250,000.

"This week has been great and I am very proud and happy with this trophy."

Ochoa, who has triumphed four times in her last seven LPGA starts, relishes her position at the pinnacle of the women's game.