Webb has won three straight LPGA events

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii (AP) -- Karrie Webb claims she isn't aiming for Nancy Lopez's record of five consecutive wins on the LPGA Tour -- at least, not yet.

Webb ran her streak to three Saturday when she defeated Annika Sorenstam in a playoff to capture the inaugural Takefuji Classic.

The 25-year-old Australian also won another event in her home country, but it wasn't on the official LPGA schedule

''I don't think so,'' Webb said when asked if Lopez's record was in jeopardy. ''I've got a long year ahead of me. You never say never, but it's not my aim to get the record.

''I just want to do the same job I've been doing -- getting myself into contention to win tournaments.''

Obviously, that's what she's done in recent weeks.

Webb was extended in her latest conquest, but she made her presence felt the entire 54 holes at the Kona Country Club. She did not hold the lead through the first 53 holes and then struck at the perfect moment, chipping within 4 feet on the final hole to set up the putt that forced the playoff.

On the first extra hole, Webb made a 10-foot birdie putt after knocking her third shot within 10 feet of the cup.

Although they were not paired, the focus was on the Webb-Sorenstam duel.

''It's hard to make one person into a rival when there are 144 people in the field,'' Webb said when asked if she regarded Sorenstam her closest rival.

''I think any given week, any of those 144 could win. That's the way I look at it.''

The other 143 will get a better chance this week. Webb is skipping the Welch's-Circle K Championship in Tucson.

Turning back Sorenstam was special.

''I have so much respect for Annika's game,'' Webb said. ''She is such a great player. I wanted to make sure I got it close. I didn't want to leave the door open for Annika.''

In winning the $120,000 first prize, Webb pushed her tour-leading money earnings for the young year to $345,000. Earlier, she won The Office Depot and Australian Ladies Masters. In between, she won the nonofficial Australian Women's Open.

To date, Webb has 19 titles in only five seasons. She won six last year when she set records with $1,591,959 in earnings and a 69.43 stroke average. She also won the LPGA's 1995 Women's British Open before gaining tour membership.

For Sorenstam, the loss means her entry into the LPGA Hall of Fame remains on hold. She is one victory shy of having a place reserved for her.

''I have to wait no matter what, so I might as well wait some more,'' she said. ''That's the rule. I'm so close -- I need one more tournament.

''I'll be in one day, that's the way I think about it.''

Webb is also closing in on Hall of Fame. She is four points shy of qualifying.

However, neither one will be eligible to be inducted because, in all probability, by the time they meet all the requirements, they still will not have been on the tour for the necessary 10 years.

Webb (69) and Sorenstam (70) finished regulation at 9-under-par 207. Janice Moodie of Scotland was third at 208, with Sally Dee another two strokes behind.