Ochoa vs. Sorenstam Taking Shape

This week, a stacked field is just outside of Williamsburg for the playing of the Michelob Ultra Open at Kingsmill on the LPGA Tour. The marquee pairing of the day was Annika, Lorena, and defending champion Suzann Pettersen. Annika shot 64 to be one off of the lead and beat Lorena, who shot 65. Is anyone sensing that it may be time for a showdown for Annika and Lorena, just after Paula stared and shot down Lorena in her effort for five wins in a row? Beth Ann Baldry is.

Fans have waited all year for an Ochoa/Sorenstam showdown. Both of Sorenstam’s victories in 2008 came when the world No. 1 took the week off. They seemed poised to duel at the year’s first major until Sorenstam fell ill over the weekend and couldn’t muster a charge at the Kraft Nabisco Championship. In the aftermath of Ochoa’s four-victory streak and Sorenstam’s Miami beach party at the Stanford International, the timing of this marquee pairing was perfect.

Sorenstam’s bogey-free 64 is her lowest round since September 2006, but she isn’t getting carried away.

“To make a statement on a Thursday really doesn’t matter,” said Sorenstam, who trails Mhairi McKay by a stroke. “I mean (there are) three more days. Anything can happen.”

It may be tepid from Sorenstam and Ochoa, but fans will likely be clamoring for this all weekend.