Annika and Laura win par-3 curtain-raising
event at Emirates Golf Club, Dubai

Annika Sorenstam and Laura Davies birdied the closing hole to win the Dubai Ladies Masters Challenge Match, sponsored by Leisurecorp, at the par-3 course of the Emirates Golf Club today.
The pair carded a brilliant four-under-par 23 to beat their nearest challengers, Gwladys Nocera (France) and Sophie Gustafson(Sweden), by one shot in a match which formally teed off the Dubai Ladies Masters week.
The pairing of Anna Rawson (Australia) and Catriona Matthew finished third on level par. The scores notwithstanding, the fun was the name of the game as it provided the fans a rare opportunity to watch the super stars of women’s golf up close and personal.
The huge crowd broke into a huge roar when Sorenstam struck a superb tee shot on the closing hole to set up an easy birdie putt for her partner. Included in the crowd were the family members of Sorenstam and her fiancé Mike McGee, who are all in Dubai to watch the ‘super Swede’ play her last competitive match.
Commented Mohammed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman of golf in Dubai, the promoters and organisers of the event: “The six players for the challenge match were selected on the basis of their rankings and, of course, for their star value on the tour.