Sorenstam’s latest title final piece in Hall of Fame qualification jigsaw

ANNIKA SORENSTAM successfully defended her title at the LPGA Safeway Classic in Oregon after birdieing the 17th hole for a one-stroke victory over Beth Daniel.

The birdie capped a six-under-par 66 for Sorenstam, whose 54-hole total of a 15-under 201 was two strokes short of her own tournament record.

She leads the LPGA with five wins and the €158,000 first prize boosted her earnings to a Tour-best €1,470,000.

The Swedish superstar was tied for the lead in this tournament with Daniel and Cristie Kerr after the second round.

But Daniel capped a bogey-free 67 with eight pars and Kerr bogeyed two of the final four holes for a closing 69 that left her three shots back.

The Swede became the first repeat champion of this tournament since Kathy Whitworth won the first two competitions in 1972-73.

Sorenstam will join Whitworth and Daniel in the Hall of Fame on October 9, her 33rd birthday three years after satisfying all of the other qualification requirements.