Laura Davies, one of three two-time winners, heads the list of six British players in the elite 78-strong Evian Masters starting in France today.

Scot Catriona Matthew and England's Rebecca Hudson, Trish Johnson, Kirsty Taylor and Karen Stupples are also chasing a big slice of the purse worth more than £160,000, making it the second richest in women's golf.

Davies won the title in 1995 and 1996 and has come close on a few other occasions. "It's always great to come back here," said the 42-year-old, who has had two second places in Europe this season but has not won a title since the 2004 Women's Australian Open. "It's a beautiful place and I've had some great scores."

Sweden's world No 1, Annika Sorenstam, who won her tenth career major at the United States Women's Open this month, is also chasing a record third Evian title.

The 35-year-old is beginning to diversify her golfing interests - she will open her golf school in Florida next year and is developing a course design business - but she remains focused on adding to her 81 victories.

"I am always excited to come back here and have a rare chance to play in Europe," said Sorenstam, who will also be favourite at next week's Women's British Open at Royal Lytham & St Anne's. "The US Open win was a huge boost for me and now I'm really looking forward to the rest of the season."

Sorenstam has also been spurred on by a text message from good friend, Tiger Woods, whose Open championship win at Hoylake in England on Sunday was his 11th major.

"Yes he was in touch," she said with a smile. "It was a pretty smart comment, just letting me know, in case I hadn't noticed, that he had won another major."

Paula Creamer won the title last year by eight shots from Michelle Wie, and both American teenagers are back among the favourites.

Sixteen-year-old Wie is making her third appearance in the tournament but her first as a professional. It is also her first outing since she was forced to pull out due to heat exhaustion in the second round of the John Deere Classic on the men's PGA Tour two weeks ago.

"It taught me that I have to be very careful and take more rest," said the youngster who is seeking a first professional victory.

"I've been working hard but also made sure I've taken some time off. It would be great to win here this week, but I'll not be forcing anything. If it happens, it happens."