Annika Leads Sybase Classic, Surprised?

Aiming for her 73rd L.P.G.A. title, Annika Sorenstam leads the Sybase Classic at Upper Montclair Country Club, tied with Song-Hee Kim and Rachel Hetherington. All had matching 67s with Annika's being a five birdie, bogey free round. Guess who was in 2nd, one shot back? Aww, you peeked. Yup, Lorena Ochoa. Ochoa must be starting to feel a little like Larry Holmes. A great heavyweight fighter who never had anyone good to fight in the prime of his career. Battering a old and defenseless Ali never helped Holmes' reputation. Like it was his fault.

Treat these match ups like precious jewels because there won't be that many more of them. Sorenstam's retirement announcement has added even more to her duels with Ochoa. A now apparently healthy Sorenstam/Ochoa match up should make for instant classics. Do you think Ochoa is feeling a bit cheated right now by losing her main rival and the standard she has been measuring herself against for some time?

Annika threw out the 1st pitch at a NY Mets game and then appeared on David Letterman. She's evidently at peace with her career decision. She's always seemed shy and reticent. If the retirement call makes her calmer and more relaxed her golf game may improve as a result. It''ll sure be fun to watch unfold. Too bad this show has an expiration date.

Til' next,