Ochoa retires from LPGA as No. 1

MEXICO CITY, April 23 (UPI) -- World No. 1 women's golfer Lorena Ochoa, saying she wanted to "start a new life," retired Friday from competitive golf.

Ochoa, 28, used the third anniversary of her taking over the world's top ranking as timing for the announcement.

Ochoa, at a news conference in Mexico City, said she will play in next week's Tres Marias Championship, where she is the defending champion, and each year in her own Lorena Ochoa Invitational but no other regular LPGA tournaments.

She didn't rule out playing in an occasional major tournament but is taking the status of non-active member of the LPGA Tour.

"This is a special day for me," Ochoa said. "All the elements are together. I wanted to achieve my goals and be the No. 1 player in the world. I'm ready to start a new life. I want to be a normal person, do everyday things.

"I'm ready to move on."

Ochoa, who married last year, said she planned to start a family "in one or two years."

Ochoa has 27 LPGA Tour titles, including two major-tournament championships, and won nearly $15 million in purses since turning professional in 2002. She was the LPGA Rookie of the Year in 2003 and last year picked up her fourth consecutive Player of the Year award.