Webb secures play-off win

Home favourite Karrie Webb retained the MFS Women’s Australian Open in Melbourne after a dramatic sudden-death play-off.

Aussie Webb clinched the title with a birdie at the second extra hole after she had finished tied with South Korea’s Ji-Yai Shin on eight under after four rounds at Kingston Heath Golf Club.

A 12-foot birdie putt at the par-four 18th gave Webb, the world number three, her fourth national title – she previously won the event in 2000, 2002 and 2007.

English rookie Melissa Reid finished in outright third position on a four-under-par 288 after a final round of 70.

Reid, 20, from Derbyshire, even held a brief lead after she birdied the ninth, having already recorded an eagle a hole earlier.

“I played okay,” said Reid, who takes the early lead on the LET’s 2008 New Star Money List.

“I’m quite happy but I’m here to win. I’m not here to finish third.”