Davies finishes strong for third

Britain’s Laura Davies shot a tournament best seven-under-par 65 in the final round of the LPGA Tournament of Champions in Mobile, Alabama, but it wasn’t quite good enough to end her long victory drought on the LPGA Tour.

America’s Dorothy Delasin claimed the title by holing a 10-foot birdie putt at the first hole of a sudden-death play-off against South Korea’s Hee-Won Han.

Delasin closed with a 69 and Han had a 68 to tie on eight under 280, with Davies one shot behind in outright third after a gallant final-day effort.

Winner of the Australian Masters in February, but without a victory in America since the Rochester International in June 2001, Davies admitted it was frustrating to have come so close to the £80,000 top prize.

“I went out today wanting a 64 and to shoot 65 was very satisfying,” said the 40-year-old. “But it’s only victories that really interest me at this stage of my career.

“My putting was great today and I didn’t make a bogey which is always what you hope for. But I missed a birdie chance at the 17th and that’s what cost me.

“But it is my second top-three finish in the last three weeks and that gives me a lot of confidence going into the Tour Players’ Championship this week. It would certainly be nice to get a win before the end of the season.”

Delasin needed a top-five finish to claim the 30th and last place in the Tour Payers’ field – she knocks out Norway’s Solheim Cup star Suzann Pettersen – and she was delighted to claim the fourth win of her young career.

The 23-year-old was the 2000 LPGA Rookie of the Year but has struggled this season with a wrist injury. Overcome with emotion, she broke down in tears after holing the winning putt.