SBS win boosts Sorenstam to No. 2

Annika Sorenstam is already No. 2 in the world behind only Lorena Ochoa, according to the latest Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings released yesterday.

Fields open Thursday through Saturday, Ko Olina Resort, purse: $1.3 million, defending champion: Stacy Prammanasudh

The former world No. 1 was fourth worldwide at the start of last week's season-opening event on the LPGA Tour with an average rating of 7.34. She trailed world No. 1 Ochoa (16.11), Suzann Pettersen (7.77) and Karrie Webb (7.63).

But thanks to her victory at the SBS Open last week, coupled with the international win at Dubai in December, Sorenstam vaulted past Pettersen and Webb into second with a rating of 8.22. Ochoa dipped a bit to 16.09, Pettersen was 7.73, Webb was 7.62 and Paula Creamer remained the top-rated American at No. 5 (6.36).

When asked what kind of statement she made to Ochoa by winning the SBS Open, Sorenstam replied on Saturday after the two-stroke win, "You tell me. I don't know how you feel about it, but I feel great. I'm excited to be back. I got a win here. I think it's going to be easier the rest of the year for me.

"Last year, the desire wasn't there and my swing was definitely not there. Now it is. Like I said, those are two important components you need to play well and to be the top player out here."

Sorenstam returns to the links this Thursday at what will likely be the final $1.3 million Fields Open at Ko Olina. Joining her this week from the top-10 rankings are Pettersen, Webb, Creamer, No. 6 Cristie Kerr and No. 10 Se Ri Pak, who missed last week's first full-field event on the LPGA Tour.