Alfredsson wins Evian Masters in playoff
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE (TICKER)—Sweden’s Helen Alfredsson emerged from a three-way sudden-death playoff Sunday to win the Evian Masters for a third time.
The 43-year-old Alfredsson, who won titles at this event in 1994 and 1998, had birdied the final two holes for a final round 5-under-par 67 to join Brazil’s Angela Park and South Korean rookie Na-Yeon Choi in the playoff at 15-under 273.
In the playoff at the par-5 18th, Alfredsson clinched the title when she hit the green in two and two-putted for a birdie four at the third extra hole.
“I’m really getting too old for this,” said Alfredsson, who has won 19 tournaments worldwide in 19 years as a professional.
It was Alfredsson’s 11th win in Europe, but her first since the 2001 WPGA Championship of Europe in Wales.
Park, who had led going into the final round and closed with a 71, went out when she could only make par at the first extra hole, and 21-year-old Choi missed a six foot birdie putt that would have extended the contest.
“I’m thrilled to win again. This tournament has always had a special place in my heart ever since I won the first one,” Alfredsson said. “It is the most beautiful place and I feel I have been so lucky to be invited back every year. It’s just great to be a three-time champion.”
Alfredsson has been hit by a string of injuries over the years, and she cut back on her tournament play last season when she was the European Solheim Cup Captain. But she showed great form last month with a second place in the U.S. Women’s Open.
World No.1 Lorena Ochoa - who defends the Women’s British Open at Sunningdale this week - closed with a 68 and was fifth at 12-under.
Two-time winner Annika Sorenstam, in her final Evian Masters before retirement, also shot 68 for 7-under.
“It is sad to know I won’t be back (playing here again),” admitted Sorenstam. “But I have good memories and I’m looking forward to new challenges in the future.”
