Lorena Ochoa LIVE from the Ricoh British Open

The world number one and defending British Women’s Open champion speaks exclusively to GM from Sunningdale as the tournament gets underway.

Lorena Ochoa

I am confident, not overly confident because there are so many good players here but I have faith in my game and I believe in what I can do.

It s been good to get out this week and see how the course is playing it s in fantastic shape. The course is beautiful and the weather has been great to, so it s been lots of fun. I have been hitting it great too!

With the way it s set up it s important to get a really fast start. The par 5s are all reachable in 2 and with my driving I have to take advantage of them especially the two par 5s that open the round. If I am under-par on the par 5s then I ll be in a good position.

It s a great challenge here I love the strategy and being forced to move the ball different ways and hitting different shots.

Also this is my first opportunity to defend a Major title so that s exciting although I am trying not to put any extra pressure on myself.

Finally, we are all going to miss Annika when she goes. She has played a huge part in my career and has been a big motivation and inspiration for me. Golf is losing a huge name and there is going to be a big hole.

I wish her the best in the tournament as always and want to say thank you for all she gave us, it s been an honour and a pleasure to play with her. I can t imagine being in her shoes and playing her final Major.

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