Sanchez first

Ana-Belen Sanchez from Spain became the fourth first time winner on the Ladies European Tour this season with a narrow victory in the BMW Ladies Italian Open.

The 28-year-old from Malaga, who has finished 17 times in the top 10 during a six-year professional career, finally rid herself of the tag of “best player not to have won on Tour” with a sterling performance in a weather interrupted final round.

Sanchez posted rounds of 71, 69, 72 and a final round three under par 69 for a seven under total to finish one shot ahead of Germany’s Martina Eberl, who put up a spirited challenge with a five under par 67.