Golf: Sorenstam bags No 2 and eyes a grand slam

HAVRE DE GRACE - Swedish golfer Annika Sorenstam became the first woman to claim the same major three years in succession as she won the LPGA Championship and maintained her bid for a season's grand slam yesterday.

Sorenstam, five shots ahead overnight, fired a final-round 73 to finish on 11-under 277 at the Bulle Rock Golf Course, three shots ahead of American amateur Michelle Wie, 15.

It was her ninth career major, her sixth title of the year and her 62nd LPGA victory in 11 years.

Sorenstam is now fifth on the all-time list of major winners, behind Patty Berg (15), Mickey Wright (13), Louise Suggs (11) and Babe Zaharias (10).

Most importantly in her eyes, it was two out of two in the majors this year and Sorenstam now has her sights on becoming the first player to win all four for a season's grand slam.

"I felt a lot of pressure today and got a little shaky and very nervous towards the end," she said.

"But I want to win all the majors [this year]. I've worked hard for it and I know I'm now going to be under a lot of pressure at the US Women's Open [starting June 24]."

Sorenstam's victory was more comfortable than the margin suggests but it was still a glorious day for Wie, whose 69 left her on eight-under 280 with a third top-10 placing in six majors.

"I feel really good about myself today and totally happy with how I finished," Wie said. "My goal was to shoot consistent rounds under par and that's what I did."

Another American teenager, Paula Creamer, 18, who has already won as a rookie on the LPGA Tour, shared third place with Britain's Laura Davies on 282 after yesterday's joint best round of 67.

Sorenstam extended her overnight lead to eight after four holes and was still seven ahead when she reached the turn in 35.

But she then dropped four shots on a back nine of 39 that included bogeys at the last two holes.

"Sometimes it's harder to protect a lead than chase one," she said.

"I tried not to look at the scoreboard too much but it was hard. But now I'm glad it's over and that I'm the winner."

Surprisingly, Sorenstam was three-over for the par fives.

"They are usually my strength."

She won the year's first major, the Kraft Nabisco Championship, by eight shots, and after the US Women's Open, she faces the Women's British Open, starting on July 28.

- REUTERS