Mexico's Lorena Ochoa squandered a big lead but bounced back to claim her first victory this year at the US$1.5 million Safeway International on Sunday.
Last year's LPGA Player of the Year, Ochoa overcame a six-stroke swing to claim the title.
After winning six tournaments last season, Ochoa claimed her 10th career title with a final round 68, beating Norwegian Suzann Pettersen by two strokes.
PHOTO: AFP
Ochoa had a four-day total of 18-under 270.
Ohoa, 25, led by four strokes entering the final round but fell two behind Pettersen when the Norwegian struck early with four birdies in a row from the second.
"You know what, I had no idea what position I was in," Pettersen said. "That was one of my goals today. I said to the people around me, `I'm not going to watch the leaderboard today.' So, the first time I actually saw the leaderboard was on the 18th green."
Ochoa, however, knew just what was happening when Peterssen made her run.
"I was watching the leaderboard," Ochoa said. "Suzann at the start was amazing. She's a great player and I want to say it's a great run and congratulations for her.
"She put a lot of pressure on me," Ochoa said. "I was feeling good. I was feeling fine with my game."
Ochoa bounced back with four birdies in five holes from the 14th on to rally for the victory and head into the first major of the season, next week's Kraft Nabisco Championship in California, on a high note.
"That was a good time to start thinking about [Kraft]," Ochoa said. "I can only tell you the major is everything for us -- to win one of those big tournaments."
Pettersen, seeking a first US LPGA title and a second professional victory alongside the 2001 French Open, had a 66.
US player Laura Diaz (67) and South Korean Jeong Jang (72) shared third at 10-under.
Two-time winner Annika Sorenstam (71) tied for eighth at 7-under.
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