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Sorenstam claims third US Open

04/07/2006

Annika Sorenstam has become the sixth person in history to win three US Women's Opens following an 18-hole playoff defeat of Pat Hurst in Newport.

The Swedish golfer fired a decisive one-under-par 70 in her round while American Hurst struggled round with a three-over-par 74.

Sorenstam has dominated the LPGA Tour over the past decade but has struggled this season and has historically failed to perform when it comes to the USGA-conducted US Open.

Her last victory in this major came back in 1996 but she admits her luck of success previously makes this victory, her first in eight events, all the more sweeter.

"This is the championship that's always, in my opinion, been the biggest that we have on the schedule," she said.

"You never know how many times you'll get an opportunity like this again. I wanted to make the most out of it. You've got to enjoy it when the moment is out there."

Sorenstam, 35, has established herself as this era's leading female golfer and this victory takes her career earnings passed the $20 million mark.

The win also takes her major tally to ten, tying her with the legendary Babe Zaharias for fourth in the all-time list.

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