Sorenstam places third in her European finale

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HELSINGOER, Denmark (AP) -- Martina Eberl rallied from a six-shot deficit to win the Nykredit Masters on Sunday, while Annika Sorenstam settled for third in her final tournament on European soil.

Eberl was tied for second with Sorenstam going into the final round at Simon's Golf Club but closed with a 7-under 66 to overtake to overtake Melissa Reid of England, who finished a stroke back. Eberl carded eight birdies and one bogey for a 54-hole total of 14-under 205. Reid, the tour's leading rookie, shot 73 for her highest score in the event and slipped to second at 13 under.

Sorenstam, the 37-year-old Hall of Famer from Sweden, closed with a 2-under 71, finishing five shots behind Eberl. Sorenstam had three birdies and one bogey and finished with a 9-under 210 total.

"I played well and hit the ball beautifully, but Martina played better today," Sorenstam said. "You can only do what you can do, and it wasn't enough. The difference was that Martina used her birdie chances.

"I wasn't thinking about it being my last tournament in Europe throughout the round as I was focused on my game. But on the last hole I was thinking, 'Now it comes to an end.'"

Sorenstam now returns home to the United States and will play in her final event at the Dubai Ladies Masters in December.

Winner of 10 majors and 72 LPGA titles, Sorenstam will retire at the end of the season to start a family and pursue business interests. She has won three LPGA titles this season.

On the last hole, Eberl pulled her tee shot into trees on the left and took a further four shots to hit the green.

Reid missed a 5-foot birdie chance before Eberl sank her bogey putt from 5 feet for the win and avoided a playoff.

"On 18, I found my ball in the trees, and I'm glad I have a great caddie who tells me that a bogey is enough," said Eberl. "It was a great day, and I enjoyed playing with Annika for three rounds."

It was Eberl's third Ladies European Tour win in 76 tournaments since 2003.