Stupples in stunning form at Sunningdale

KAREN STUPPLES became just the third Englishwoman to win a Major championship with a truly stunning final round in the Weetabix British Women's Open at Sunningdale.

The 31-year-old opened the round in spectacular style - eagle, albatross - and went on to fire a 64 and win by five shots from Australia's Rachel Teske. Her 19-under-par 269 total matched the championship record set by Karrie Webb when the Australian won here in 1997.

"It's just unbelievable," said Stupples, whose only other win in five years as a professional came in the Welch's/Fry's Championship in Arizona in March.

An emotional Stupples, who sold her car and furniture to pursue her dream of playing professionally based in America, continued: "It proves that if you have a dream and work towards it then you can achieve anything."

Stupples has become the first home winner of this event since Penny Grice-Whittaker in 1991, and the first since it gained Major status three years ago.

Stupples' extraordinary start set the tone for a thrilling afternoon of drama. She sank a 15-footer for the three at the 485-yard first and then holed out from 205 yards with a five iron for the most extraordinary albatross two at the 475-yard second.

At that stage, she had moved from one behind overnight to three ahead. But it took another glorious run - three birdies in a row from the 15th - to finally clinch first place.

Teske shot a 70, while American Heather Bowie had a 71 for third place on 13 under and Mexico's Lorena Ochoa was fourth on 12 under after a 70.

Nicholas, whose triumph in this championship in 1987 was her first of 18 career victories worldwide, announced her retirement at the end of the championship, and bowed out with a very creditable 69 for three under.