Dubai Ladies Masters: Super Swede

They may have to rename the tournament the Dubai Sorenstam Masters if Annika carries on like this.

A season blighted by a back injury (which had threatened to be her first without a win since 1994), a lack of form and the strongest field assembled for a Ladies European Tour event outside the majors could not stop the super Swede retaining her Dubai crown at the Majlis course of Emirates Golf Club.

Sorenstam steadily ground down her competitors with rounds of 70, 70, 68 and 70 to claim the 75,000 euro (Dh400,000) prize. She was matched hole-for-hole by good friend Iben Tinning. But at the crucial 72nd hole as they stood level on 10-under par it was the Dane who faltered under pressure, spinning her approach back into the water and handing victory to the ice-cool Sorenstam. "It's never fun to see an ending like that," said Sorenstam.

"Iben played so well the whole week. To be honest I didn't really know what to say or what to do. I told her: ‘You know Iben, you played very well. Don't let that shot ruin this whole tournament.'

"At this particular time it was my turn and obviously I'm thankful for that but I also feel for Iben. She is a great player, a great person, we get along very well. It's never fun to see that happen to a friend."

Sorenstam promised to be back to attempt the hat-trick in 2008. "Being in the last group on the last day, there is extra pressure and I haven't had that in a long time.

"To be able to walk home with the trophy, just getting the job done, means a lot. This is a very special win in many ways.

"I look forward to seeing you all next year."

How they finished:

278 Annika Sorenstam (Swe) 70 70 68 70

280 Laura Davies (Eng) 67 70 71 72; Iben Tinning (Den) 72 68 67 73

282 Anja Monke (Ger) 71 68 75 68; Lisa Hall (Eng) 67 69 77 69; Gwladys Nocera (Fra) 72 70 71 69; Catriona Matthew (Sco) 70 72 70 70; Amy Yang (Kor) Korea 71 73 68 70; Veronica Zorzi (Ita) 70 68 70 74

283 Paula Marti (Spa) 73 72 71 67; Sophie Giquel (Fra) 72 74 70 67; Lotta Wahlin (Swe) 69 72 73 69; Louise Stahle (Swe) 64 74 73 72