Ochoa and Shin do battle in Korea

World number one Lorena Ochoa goes in search of her fourth victory of the year this week as the LPGA Tour starts a two-week swing through Asia.

The 27-year-old Mexican successfully defended her title at the Navistar Classic in Alabama at her last event earlier this month and tees off at the Hana Bank Kolon Championship in fine form.

But she has a top field of players to contend with, led by defending champion Candie Kung of Taiwan, who defeated Australia's Katherine Hull by a stroke last year, and South Korean rookie Shin Ji-Yai.

"My goal in this tournament is definitely to win the title," Ochoa told reporters.

"I at least want to finish the season by grabbing the player of the year award and the scoring average award."

Right behind Ochoa in the Rolex Rankings is Shin, who is fresh off a victory at last week's Masters GC Ladies on the LPGA of Japan.

Shin, who has won three times in her first full US season, is in the driving seat for the Rookie of the Year award, with a 580-point advantage over Michelle Wie.

She also holds a slim lead over Ochoa in the Player of the Year race.

Should she hold on and win both season-ending awards, she would be the first to do so since Nancy Lopez in 1978.

"I can't waste a chance to win a trophy in my home country," said the confident 21-year-old.

"I feel a little tired, but I will be ready. Rain is forecast and I think the weather will be a factor," she added.

Along with Ochoa and Shin, fourth-ranked Cristie Kerr will be in action, as will Paula Creamer, Tseng Yani, and Kim In-Kyung, who are all top 10 stars.

Following Korea, the LPGA moves to Japan for the Mizuno Classic next week.

The season wraps up after this with the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Mexico and then the Tour Championship in Texas.