Lorena Ochoa Wins Canadian Women's Open

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) _ Lorena Ochoa followed her major breakthrough two weeks ago at St. Andrews with yet another dominating victory in a national championship. <br/><br/>The top-ranked Mexican star

Monday, August 20th 2007, 7:54 am

By: News On 6

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) _ Lorena Ochoa followed her major breakthrough two weeks ago at St. Andrews with yet another dominating victory in a national championship.

The top-ranked Mexican star won the Canadian Women's Open on Sunday for her second straight victory and LPGA Tour-leading fifth of the season, closing with a 2-under 69 for a three-stroke margin over Paula Creamer.

Coming off her first major victory in the Women's British Open, Ochoa had a 16-under 268 total on the Royal Mayfair course. She earned $337,500 to raise her season total to $2,636,590 _ about $1.5 million more than second-place Suzann Pettersen.

``It was just one of those weeks where everything was good from tee to green,'' Ochoa told the cheering crowd, some waving Mexican flags, as she stood on the 18th green and struggled to lift the outsized two-handled silver mug trophy.

``It's like a soccer trophy. I like it.''

She has 14 victories in five full seasons on the tour.

``It wasn't easy,'' said Ochoa, who matched the course record Saturday with a 64 to take a four-stroke lead into the final round. ``I didn't feel very comfortable in the morning. I wasn't in a rhythm on the front nine, and Paula made a couple birdies to narrow the difference. And then we made the turn, and then I started feeling strong. I made a good birdie on No. 12 to get good momentum, and I think from there things kind of changed in my way to finish with a good distance.''

Creamer finished with a 68.

``I gave myself a ton of chances out there and that's all you can ask for on Sunday. I tried my hardest,'' Creamer said. ``It was great to be able to play on Sunday in contention. It feels good. I played good, so I keep saying it's a learning experience out there for me. Two unfortunate bogeys, little putts, but other than that, I think I did an OK job of hanging in there and trying to put some pressure on her.''

Shi Hyun Ahn (66) was third at 10 under, and Brittany Lang (67) and Laura Diaz (72) followed at 9 under.

Alena Sharp was the top Canadian, closing with a 69 to tie for 10th _ the Hamilton, Ontario, player's highest tour finish _ at 6 under.

``This is definitely going to give me more confidence. I know I can be one of the best players out here,'' Sharp said. ``I hit some great shots today. I had a couple of tap-in birdies and that always helps.''

U.S. Women's Open champion Cristie Kerr, the winner last year at London Hunt in Ontario, shot a 75 to tie for 50th at 1 over.

``You're not going to defend any golf tournament playing like this,'' Kerr said. ``I didn't hit it good today and my putting woes continued. It would have been funny if I just chucked my putter in the lake after the round because I'm not using it anymore.''