Sorenstam celebrates winning return

Annika Sorenstam did not even have to work hard for her 53rd career win.

Sorenstam coasted to a four-stroke victory at the John Q Hammons Hotel Classic, cruising home as no one could challenge the best player in the world.

Sorenstam began the day with a three-shot lead over England’s Joanne Morley, who was looking for her first career win and clearly could not handle the pressure of being paired with Sorenstam. She shot a five-over 76.

After a pair of rounds in the 60s at the Cedar Ridge Country Club, Sorenstam carded an ordinary one-under 70 that was more than enough to hold off a trio of Koreans who began too far back to make a serious charge.

The only player with three rounds below par, she finished at nine-under 204.

Sorenstam was playing for the first time in six weeks but it was hard to tell. Once again, she was the class of the field, winning for the fifth time this year.

Shi Hyun Ahn bounced back from a 73 to shoot a 69 and finish at five-under 208 as the 19-year-old was second for the second straight week.

Candie Kung also shot 69 for three-under 210 as was third for the second straight week. Mi Hyun Kim fired a four-under 67 and caught Heather Bowie for fourth at 211.