Sorenstam retains another title

Annika Sorenstam shot a two-over-par 73 but still defended her third title of the season with a one-shot victory at the John Q Hammons Hotel Classic in Oklahoma.

Sorenstam finished at five under on 208 and just held off Paula Creamer, who shot a two-under 69 but missed out after a pair of late bogeys.

Sorenstam started her round with 15 consecutive pars but stumbled with bogeys at the 16th and 18th.

The Swede did not card a birdie but did not need one as the rest of the field also faltered at the challenging Cedar Ridge Country Club course.

Creamer fired consecutive birdies at the 13th and 14th to get to five under and pull within two shots of Sorenstam.

But the rookie’s chances for her third LPGA Tour win were dashed with bogeys at the 16th and 17th.

Australia’s Michelle Ellis and Maria Hjorth of Sweden began the day one shot off the lead but failed to make a move and tumbled out of contention.

Hjorth, after a four-over 75, finished tied for third with Diana D’Alessio (69).

Ellis crashed with a 79 that included a double-bogey on the par-five first, a triple-bogey on the third and four bogeys.