Golf: Johnson off the mark

TRISH JOHNSON, of Britain, gained her first victory on the United States LPGA tour when she shot a final-round five-under-par 67 to gain a four-stroke victory in Las Vegas.

Johnson, three shots behind the second-round leader, Brandie Burton, when Sunday's final round began, was one of only nine players to break par as wind gusts reached 40mph. She completed 54 holes for a seven- under-par total of 209 to record her first victory in six seasons on the tour.

The American, Missie McGeorge, who was paired with Johnson, shot a 71 to finish second at three-under 213.

Johnson, the Bristol-born 27- year-old, made five birdies and said that four crucial saves of par enabled her to collect her first winner's cheque. She believes the key to her success was the confidence she gained after holing a 30-foot birdie putt at the par-four ninth.

LPGA CANYON GATE TOURNAMENT (Las Vegas) Leading final-round scores (US unless stated): 209 T Johnson (GB) 71 71 67. 213 M McGeorge 71 71 71. 214 D Richard 72 70 72; B Burton 74 65 75. 215 H Stacy 73 72 70; L Merten 74 67 74; J Dickinson 71 69 75. 216 C Pierce (GB) 74 73 69. 217 M Mackall 77 68 72; S Hamlin 75 70 72; C Hill 74 71 72; A Benz 73 72 72, A Sorenstam (Swe) 73 70 74; P Sheehan 72 69 76; E Crosby 72 68 77.