Golf: Davies back in groove with Swedish success

LAURA DAVIES maintained her record of winning at least one European title every year since turning professional in 1985 when she strolled to victory in the Chrysler Open at Halmstad in Sweden yesterday.

The 35-year-old, who started the day with a five-stroke lead, secured her first win since the US Tour Players' Championship in Las Vegas in December, and her first European title since winning this event a year ago, by shooting 67 for a 15-under-par 273. That left her eight shots clear of Alison Nicholas, with Sweden's Catrin Nilsmark, a further two shots back in third.

Tiger Woods was on the verge of reclaiming the world No 1 ranking after his four-under par 68 in Illinois gave him a four-stroke lead in the final round of the PGA Western Open in Lemont. Woods will take over from David Duval at the top of the rankings if he wins.

The tournament was halted briefly when Garland Dempsey, the caddie for John Maginnes, collapsed at the 15th hole. Paramedics quickly tended to Dempsey, whose heart apparently stopped before he was rushed to hospital. He is said to be in a "critical but stable" condition.

Results, Digest, page 9