Rose misses out as Perry enters the record books

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England's Justin Rose came up short yet again as Kenny Perry joined Tiger Woods as the only three-time winners of the Memorial Tournament here yesterday. Rose finished two shots behind the American after a one-under-par 71 and shared second place with Perry's compatriot Jerry Kelly, Mike Weir of Canada and Australia's Matthew Goggin. Rose's compatriot Luke Donald tied for sixth place on two under.

It had all looked so bright for Rose with birdies at his opening two holes but the windy conditions and Perry's steadier play ultimately prevailed. With his challengers in retreat on the back nine, the 47-year-old Perry surged ahead with pars and one timely birdie, coasting home to a 69 and an eight-under total for a victory.

Better still was his answer to US Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger's statement that anyone making his team would almost certainly have to win on tour this year. "When he [Azinger] said in the paper that you're probably going to have to win to get on his team, that changed my thinking," Perry said.

* The United States won the Curtis Cup for the 26th time yesterday, beating Great Britain & Ireland by 13 points to seven over the Old Course at St Andrews.