SUPERSTITION, Ariz., March 20 (UPI) -- Annika Sorenstam birdied the 72nd hole Sunday to force a playoff at the Safeway International and won the next hole to successfully defend her crown.
Sorenstam shot a 2-under 70 in the final round to tie Lorena Ochoa at 11-under 277. Ochoa had a 2-over 74 Sunday.
Juli Inkster (72) and Soo-Yun Kang (76) tied for third at 8-under 280. Liselotte Neumann (71) tied for fifth with Rosie Jones at 281.
Sorenstam two-putted for birdie from 22 feet out on the 72nd hole. Ochoa had a 12-foot birdie try for a win, but missed to the right.
Ochoa pulled her playoff tee shot into water. The Mexican golfer hit her third shot into rough and her fourth over the green. She then missed a par chip.
Sorenstam pitched her third shot to seven feet and two-putted for her 58th win on the LPGA Tour.
