Lorena Ochoa bid an emotional farewell to the LPGA tour Sunday, as even tournament winner Ai Miyazato broke down in tears as she paid tribute to the departing world No. 1. Japan's Miyazato carded a six-under 67 Sunday to win the Tres Marias Championship, but her third title of the season was overshadowed by Ochoa's last appearance as a full-time LPGA player before she heads into retirement. During the trophy presentation on the 18th green, Miyazato cried as she thanked Ochoa, who had chosen the rising Japanese star to play with her in the first two rounds here. A few feet away, Ochoa wiped tears from her eyes as well. “I want to say thanks to Lorena,” said Miyazato, whose 19-under total of 273 was one shot better than Stacy Lewis (66). “I really appreciate what she did for the LPGA and what she did for her country here in Mexico. “She is one of my best friends,” Miyazato said, beginning to cry. “I'm going to miss her.” Miyazato, who won titles earlier this year in Thailand and Singapore, shared the spotlight all week with Ochoa, who surprised the tour by announcing she would retire to focus on family and her charitable work. Ochoa, who had won this tournament three of the past four years, carded a 71 to finish sixth on 280. American Michelle Wie was third after a 68 for 275. Ochoa has held the world No. 1 ranking since April 2007, but lost it when South Korea's Shin Ji-Yai moved up from second place Monday. Shin, last year's LPGA rookie of the year and the first South Korean to finish atop the LPGA money list, won a tournament in Japan Sunday. Michelle Ellis, president of the LPGA players association, stood in a long line of players who saluted Ochoa on the 18th green. “She is going to be dearly missed by the players and all members of the LPGA family,” Ellis said, with Mexican mariachi musicians playing as Ochoa left the green. “I think her heart and her spirit out does her golf game by 1,000 yards.” Ochoa won 27 tournaments - including two majors, has held the No. 1 ranking for three years and won the Player of the Year title four straight years. “For the last eight years all of you have been there,” Ochoa said, sobbing as she spoke to fellow players. “First when I got here everybody was friendly and welcoming. So thanks for being friends, for the inspiration. It is hard to put into words, but this has been eight years of a lot of fun and I made friends I will never forget in my life.” Ochoa found time for everyone, even on the final day of her career. Walking down the first fairway she stopped to kiss two young boys on the cheek who were carrying the scoreboard.
