Record prize money of £8.8m (€12.2m) will be on offer on the 2008 Ladies European Tour, it was announced today.

England’s Laura Davies fell just short of snatching victory as Italy’s Veronica Zorzi successfully defended the Vediorbis French Open in a drama-packed finish at Arras Golf Club in France.

Defending champion Veronica Zorzi remains the woman to beat in the Vediorbis French Open at Arras Golf Club , with a 69 giving her a three shot halfway lead on seven under 209.

England’s Laura Davies will be one of the hot tips to collect a record 35th Ladies’ European Tour title at the Vediorbis French Open starting in Arras tomorrow.