Lewis looking forward to Wie rivalry

World number one Stacy Lewis is relishing her growing rivalry with Michelle Wie as she prepares to defend her Ricoh British Open title at Birkdale.

The battle between Lewis and world number six Wie, who won her first major at the US Open last month, could be one of the main talking points at the Merseyside links course this week.

Wie (24) burst on to the scene amid a blaze of publicity a decade ago but is only now finding the consistency to produce the challenges that were expected of her in her teens.

Lewis, who claimed the British Open crown at St Andrews last year, believes her fellow American’s emergence as a force is good for the game.“I think it’s great that people are starting to see Michelle and I as rivals,” she said. “I think rivalries are great . . . and Michelle definitely moves the needle.

Lewis added that Wie playing good golf is good for golf. the Tour and other players.

Wie sees the rivalry as a friendly one, but is determined to come out on top.

“I don’t think you’ll find a rivalry where we hate each other . . . but I think it’s fun because we definitely want to beat each other,” she said.

There is also excitement around a youthful challenge headed by the likes of Charley Hull, Stephanie Meadow and Florentyna Parker, who are all among today's early starters.