[LPGA] Ex-Queen Sorenstam Returns With Win

A saying goes, “When the cat is away, the mice will come out and play.” This applies to former LPGA queen Annika Sorenstam, who won a competition that her successor Lorena Ochoa skipped.

Sorenstam yesterday won the LPGA Stanford International Pro-Am in Miami for her 71st title. She had recently taken a backseat to Ochoa, who went to Mexico after four straight wins in as many weeks.

Sorenstam beat in sudden-death overtime Paula Creamer after both had finished the final round at eight under-275.

Korea’s Kim Young made six birdies, but consecutive double-bogeys left her finishing tied for third with Australia’s Karrie Webb.

Korean golfers have failed to win the last 22 LPGA competitions, including nine this season. Lee Seon-hwa was the last to win in July last year.

Five Koreans, however, finished in the top 10 in Miami, including Lee and Angela Park, who shared sixth place, and Park Hee-yeong and Ji Eun-hee, who shared ninth place.

kjs0123@donga.com