Thu May 15 19:01:54 2008

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Sorenstam among leaders at Sybase Classic

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Clifton, NJ (Sports Network) - Reminding everyone that her retirement was still months away, Annika Sorenstam fired a five-under 67 on Thursday to share the lead at the Sybase Classic.

After announcing Tuesday that she will step away from competitive golf at the end of the year, then throwing out the first pitch at a New York Mets game and appearing on David Letterman's show, Sorenstam was relieved to be back on the golf course.

"It's been a busy week, so it was kind of nice this morning to tee off and then walk inside the ropes where it was just my pace and not have to worry about any appointments or anything I had to do," Sorenstam said. "I'm focusing on the golf. So I'm done with things this week. I'm just going to try and focus on the game, which is why I'm here."

Sorenstam, a two-time Sybase champion, made five birdies and 13 pars in a flawless round, her first in competition at Upper Montclair Country Club.

She shared the lead with Song-Hee Kim and Rachel Hetherington, who had just one bogey between them while also posting 67s.

Two-time defending champion Lorena Ochoa led a group of six players who were tied at four-under 68.

Ochoa, who replaced Sorenstam as the top-ranked women's golfer last year, lost to the Swede for the first time in five tournaments last week when Sorenstam won the Michelob Ultra Open.

The Mexican star, a five-time winner already this season, was asked if Sorenstam's good play of late -- she has won two consecutive starts -- has motivated her to be even better.

"Annika has always been out there, and of course it makes me want to play good, and that's the way she's been pushing me to huddle around and win tournaments," said Ochoa, who had five birdies and a bogey. "So it's always good motivation to play next to her.

"She won the last two tournaments, and I know that it's going to be tough to get not only this win, but to get wins this year, but I'm ready to do it."

Sorenstam began her first post-announcement round with birdies on three of her first seven holes, landing approach shots within 10 feet on each hole.

She missed a good opportunity for eagle at the par-five 11th after knocking a four-wood to eight feet on her second shot, but two-putted for another birdie. Her last birdie was set up by a sand-wedge to just four feet at the 14th.

But Sorenstam's round was about more than just her score. Although she always maintained she would step away from the game earlier than people expected, her announcement on Tuesday came as a surprise.

Well-known as the only woman to shoot a 59 and for competing against the men at the 2003 Colonial, Sorenstam will retire on the precipice of challenging the all-time LPGA Tour records for wins and major championships.

Several spectators on the course Thursday pleaded with her not to retire.

"That was obviously different because in the past it's been 'good to see you again,' and now they say 'don't leave us,' so it's nice," said Sorenstam, who has claimed 72 wins and 10 majors.

She hopes her decision to retire will have a positive effect on the way she plays the rest of the season. Whether that was the case with her 67 on Thursday, Sorenstam didn't say. But she seemed relieved that the announcement was behind her.

For now, it's just about the golf.

"I really hope I can enjoy the rest of the season because it's a fantastic game," said Sorenstam. "In the past I've always felt pressure to perform knowing I can do it. I know I have nothing to prove, but I love this game and I love to play good golf, so I've always built it up for myself in wanting to perform. Now I'm just going to say, hey, swing it loose, enjoy it and go from there.

"I just feel at peace. I feel good about my game. And I'm focused on the game and not all the other obstacles or questions. Now it's out there in the air and I'm just focusing on the golf."