Dubai: Anna Nordqvist and Sophie Gustafson birdied the closing hole to win the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters Challenge Match, sponsored by Jumeirah Golf Estates, at Emirates Golf Club's par-3 course on Monday.
The Swedish duo, leading by one shot going into the final round, kept up their dominance to see off the challenge of their nearest rivals In-Kyung Kim (US) and Anja Monke (Germany), who also picked up a shot on the final hole.
Close competition
The star US pairing of Michelle Wie and Christina Kim finished on level par, one stroke ahead of England's four-time major winner Laura Davies and the 2009 British Open champion Catriona Matthew.
New Swedish sensation Nordqvist, who has became an instant celebrity after her stunning win in the 2009 LPGA Championship in only her fifth start on the tour, provided a glimpse of her precocious talent when she drilled her tee shot close to the pin, agonisingly missing out on a hole-in-one feat by just two inches.
"It was a great fun," Christina said, echoing the feelings of fellow professionals.
"I think it's a great concept and it should be played more often ahead of the main tournaments where it's a serious business. I think the fans also love watching us play in a relaxed atmosphere."
"It was a dream for me to play in Dubai. I would love to come back here next year. The [Majlis] course is great and the hospitality simply excellent," said Christina, who is one of the most exciting players on the LPGA Tour because of her animated and vocal style of play.
The eight players were selected on the basis of their rankings.
Results, the Challenge match:
- Sophie Gustafson (Sweden) and Anna Nordqvist (Sweden) — three under par
- In Kyung Kim (US) and Anja Monke (Germany) — two under
- Michelle Wie (US) and Christina Kim (US) — Level par
- Laura Davies (England) Catriona Matthew (Scotland) — one over
