Ochoa leads LPGA Tour Championship

Ochoa birdied three of her last four holes to shoot a 6-under 66 at the Houstonian Golf & Country Club.

The event suffered a significant loss, however, with the withdrawal of Michelle Wie -- who won her first tour event last week in Mexico. Wie released a statement saying she had hoped to play through the pain caused by a recurring ankle injury.

"I realized today that I wouldn't be able to continue to play," she said. "I want to make sure that I'm being smart with it, so I will return home to have it looked at by my doctors and follow their advice."

Ochoa, the world's No. 1 ranked female golfer, trails Jiyai Shin by eight points in the battle for the Player of the Year award. This is the final event of the year on the LPGA Tour schedule.

Reilley Rankin was alone in second at 67, followed by Taylor Leon at 68. Shin was part of a 15-way tie for ninth with a score of 69.

"It's very important to get a good start to give myself a good chance," Ochoa said.

"That's all I was trying to do. So tomorrow is a new start and I'm gonna play like I'm a few shots behind and continue being aggressive."

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.