Golf: Sorenstam puts on show for home fans

Annika Sorenstam showed 18,000 Swedish fans why she is the world No 1 when she shot a closing round of 70 for a fourth European title in the Compaq Open at Osterakers in Sweden yesterday.

With an 11-under-par aggregate of 277, Sorenstam collected a pounds 45,000 winner's cheque as she finished six strokes clear of compatriot Catrin Nilsmark, with Nancy Lopez two strokes further behind. US Open champion Alison Nicholas and Lisa Hackney were the leading British challengers, sharing sixth place on 289.

"It is something special to win in Sweden and the crowds were tremendous," said Sorenstam, who has won four tournaments in the United States this year.

Sorenstam started the final round four strokes ahead of Lopez and was still four ahead at the final turn, after which Lopez had to drop from water for a double-bogey six at the 12th before taking three putts on the next green.

Lopez was overtaken by Nilsmark, who is seven months pregnant. Showing no signs of tiring in the heat, Nilsmark birdied the 16th then holed from nine feet for another birdie at the 18th to seal second place.