Monke wins first Ladies European Tour title

Germany’s Anja Monke captured her maiden Ladies European Tour title with victory in the Vediorbis Open de France at Le Golf D’Arras.

Monke carded a final round of 68 to finish on 10 under par, two shots clear of Spain’s Tania Elosegui and Nina Reis of Sweden.

“I can’t believe it,” said Monke. “I’ve worked for this moment for the last five years and so it’s nice to see it happen.”

After opening with rounds of 67, 78 and 65, Monke came from four shots behind overnight leader Stefania Croce of Italy to secure the first prize.

Croce carded a closing 75 to share fourth place on seven under par with England’s Lora Fairclough and Paula Marti of Spain.

“I was in a pretty good mood today because I didn’t have anything to lose, that’s how I felt this morning,” said Monke.

“If I lost it then I lost it on Friday for sure. The other three days I won it.”

Monke had been a runner-up twice before on the Ladies European Tour, in Holland and Hungary in 2006. She had also posted four top-10 finishes on tour this season.

She turned professional at the end of 2005 after working in a hospital laboratory for four years and added: “I know how real life is and real work so that makes my life even more enjoyable.”

England’s Laura Davies was in a share of third after 54 holes but faded to a closing 75 and joint 11th.