Alfredsson tops in play-off

2008-07-27 19:11

Evian-Les-Bains, France - Sweden's Helen Alfredsson, who won the inaugural title in 1994, became the first three-time winner of the Evian Masters on Sunday when she came out top in a three-way sudden-death play-off.

The 43-year-old veteran, who won for a second time in 1998, had birdied the final two holes for a final round 67 and forced herself into a play-off on 15 under par 273 against Brazil's Angela Park and South Korean rookie, Na-Yeon Choi.

The play-off was over the par five 18th and experience proved to be decisive as Alfredsson clinched the $475 000 first prize - the joint richest in the women's game - with a birdie four at the third extra hole.

Park, who had led going into the final round and closed with a 71, went out when she could only make par at the first extra hole, and 21-year-old Choi missed a six foot birdie putt that would have extended the contest.

Alfredssson two-putted for the winning birdie.

"I'm really getting too old for this," joked the popular Alfredsson, who has won 19 tournaments worldwide in her 19-year career, but none since the 2003 Longs Drugs Challenge in California.

It was her first win in Europe since the 2001 WPGA Championship of Europe in Wales.

String of injuries

"I'm thrilled to win again," she continued.

"This tournament has always had a special place in my heart ever since I won the first one. It is the most beautiful place and I feel I have been so lucky to be invited back every year. It's just great to be a three-time champion."

Alfredsson has been hit by a string of injuries over the years, and she cut back on her tournament play last season when she was the European Solheim Cup captain.

But she showed great form last month with a second place in the US Women's Open.

Choi, seeking her first win, had taken the lead by one shot on 14 under par with nine holes to play, and she got to 17 under after back nine birdies at the tenth, 12th and 13th.

But she dropped shots at the 15th and 16th to allow Alfredsson and Park back into the race for the title.

World No 1 Lorena Ochoa closed with a 68 and was fifth on 12 under par, while two-time winner Annika Sorenstam, in her final Evian Masters before retirement, also shot 68 for seven under.

"It is sad to know I won't be back (playing here again)," admitted Sorenstam. "But I have good memories and I'm looking forward to new challenges in the future."

- AFP