Golf: Sorenstam eases past Hurst to take US Open

NEWPORT, Rhode Island - World No 1 Annika Sorenstam defeated American Pat Hurst 70-74 in an 18-hole playoff today to capture her third US Women's Open golf title.

Sorenstam, who also lifted the trophy in 1995 and 1996, collected the 10th major victory of her glittering career, moving alongside Babe Zaharias.

Only Louise Suggs (11), Mickey Wright (13) and Patty Berg (15) have won more.

Sorenstam, 35, now has 68 LPGA Tour wins, 20 adrift of the record held by Kathy Whitworth.

Hurst and Sorenstam had tied on level-par 284 after four rounds but the Swede dominated the extra 18 holes.

Sorenstam gained a two-stroke advantage at the first, holing from eight feet for birdie while Hurst three-putted for bogey.

The Swede also birdied the third before moving four clear at the sixth when Hurst again took three on the green for a double-bogey six.

Another Hurst bogey at the ninth put the Swede, out in one-under 34, five ahead.

Sorenstam birdied the 12th to move six clear before Hurst finally got one back with a par at the short 13th.

The American finished the day in style, making her first birdie from 45 feet at the last.

Hurst, 37, who has one major title to her name, the 1998 Kraft Nabisco Championship, earned a consolation prize of $US335,000 ($NZ556,755).

Sorenstam picked up a cheque for $US560,000.

- REUTERS