Farewell victory eludes Sorenstam

Annika Sorenstam brought the curtain down on her 15-year career today by finishing in a five-way tie for seventh place at the Dubai Ladies Masters.

The 37-year-old, who had topped the leaderboard at the halfway stage, fell off the pace in the final two rounds to card an overall score of six under par, seven shots behind tournament winner Anja Monke of Germany.

Sorenstam’s final round of 71 included four birdies – one of which came on the 18th – and three bogeys, and the Swede had mixed emotions when she walked off the final green.

“I’m both happy and sad,” she said. “The motivation is no longer there but I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved in the last 15 years.”

Many of Sorenstam’s fellow players applauded her off the 18th green and she added: “It means a

lot.

“When you get that kind of respect from the players it breaks your heart. I felt it today and it was very special.”

Monke shot a final round of 68 – including five birdies – to claim the title on 13 under, three shots ahead of Italian Veronica Zorzi.

England’s Laura Davies was a further shot behind after a closing 69, with Sophie Giquel of France fourth on eight under and Trish Johnson and Iben Tinning tied on seven under for fifth place.