Annika Sorenstam has her sights set on catching up with Tiger Woods at the Weetabix Women's British Open, the final major of the women's season, starting at Royal Birkdale today.

The Swede was thrilled to match Woods' tally of nine majors when she won the McDonald's LPGA Championship last month - but she then dropped behind when he captured the Open Championship at St Andrews.

"It's great to have Tiger as a friend and a practice partner," said the Swede of her Florida neighbour. "He's got so much imagination and taught me a lot of shots."

Sorenstam's sole victory in the British Open came at Royal Lytham & St Anne's two years ago, and she relishes the opportunity to win again over a famous Open Championship links.

"Birkdale is one of my favourite courses in Europe and I love the challenge of a links course," she continued.

"The British Open has always been special. It's the only major in Europe and has so much history and tradition."

The new teenage crop is headed by 18-year-old Paula Creamer and 15-year-old amateur Michelle Wie, and both have the talent to be the first teenage winner.

England's Karen Stupples defends the Championship she won at Sunningdale last year, while 1986 champion Laura Davies and Scot Catriona Matthew, with six top 10s this year, are other British hopefuls.