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Tuesday April 4, 2006

Veteran Webb snares major title in playoff

LETTING IT OUT: Australian Karrie Webb jumps into the Champions Pond after winning the Kraft Nabisco Championship crown on Sunday. She later received the trophy cladded in a bathrobe (inset). – AP/REUTERSpic
RANCHO MIRAGE (California): LPGA Hall of Famer Karrie Webb beat Lorena Ochoa with a birdie at the first playoff hole on Sunday to win the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the first Major of the women's season.

Australia's Webb had eagled the final hole of regulation to complete a flawless 65 that saw her erase a seven-shot deficit and pull even with overnight leader Ochoa.

“I was working so hard on trying to win again,” Webb said. “I think every week I thought I could win. I don't think I ever teed it up and didn't think I couldn't win.”

The Mexican's round had included four bogeys and two birdies that left her needing an eagle of her own at the last to force the playoff.

She got it, completing an even-par 72 to join Webb with a four-round total of 279.

Meanwhile teenager Michelle Wie failed to nab the birdie she needed at the final hole to join the playoff.

Wie, who started the day in second, three shots behind Ochoa, finished with a 70 for 280, sharing third place with fellow American Natalie Gulbis, who closed with her second straight 68.

Webb, who won the career Grand Slam at age 26, is the only player to win all five events that have been designated as women's Majors.

Despite being on top, Webb wasn't happy.

“I realised I was taking it for granted,” Webb said. “I don't know if it was because I was uncomfortable or what. I wanted to feel it again, though.”

While the mind was willing, the body was not. Webb won one Major from 2002 to 2005, the Women's British Open, and went on a drought of regular tournament victories as well. She won one event in 2003 and 2004 and didn't win anything last year. – AFP

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