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 News Around the Republic of Mexico | April 2007 
Mexican Ochoa Goes to Top of Rankings
 Reuters
| | Ochoa becomes the first player to dethrone Sorenstam from the top of the rankings. |
Mexico's Lorena Ochoa replaced Annika Sorenstam as world number one on Monday, the first time the Swede has been dethroned since the official rankings were introduced early last year.
Although no LPGA Tour event was played last week, Ochoa takes over at the top with a points average of 12.84 from 50 events.
Sorenstam, who is expected to be sidelined until the end of next month because of a ruptured disc in her back, drops to second on 12.70.
"Today is one of the most special days in my life," Ochoa said in a statement released by her management company. "This is a huge accomplishment for me."
"I am extremely happy about becoming the number one player in the world, something that I have dreamed about since I was little."
"And especially this week when I am at home and I am able to celebrate the news with the people in my country," added the 25-year-old, who defends her title in this week's Corona Championship in Morelia, Mexico.
The Rolex rankings, launched in February 2006, are adjusted on a rolling two-year calendar with each player's points total divided by the number of tournaments played.
Ochoa, who leads this season's LPGA money list with $584,870, had steadily closed the gap on Sorenstam after a string of stirring performances since the start of last year. The Guadalajara native dominated the 2006 LPGA Tour, winning six titles and becoming only the second player in history to pass the $2 million mark in season earnings with $2,592,872.
She won the Player of the Year award and her scoring average of 69.24 was the fourth lowest in LPGA history.
Ochoa has carried that form into this season, posting five top 10s in six starts, including victory at the Safeway International in March.
The 25-year-old defends her title in this week's Corona Championship in Morelia, Mexico. Ochoa romped to a five-stroke victory over Paraguay's Julieta Granada in last year's tournament. |
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