Win number ten for Sorenstam
BY Bruce Young | 10 Nov 2002
Annika Sorenstam’s win in today’s Mizuno Classic in Japan has moved her into third place on the all time list for wins in a season on the LPGA Tour behind Mickey Wright’s thirteen victories in 1963 and eleven in 1964. Her win today was her tenth of the season and with the ADT Tour Championship still to come there is the opportunity to grab a share of the second most wins of the year record with Wright.
To win today, Sorenstam had to hold off spirited challenges from Se Ri Pak initially, then Grace Park, but her two closing birdies gave her the two shot cushion and the win.
Starting the final round in fourth place, Pak had opened with a blistering front nine of 31 to create what appeared to be a classic last nine hole showdown between the number one and two this season. She fell away somewhat coming in however, and Grace Park then emerged as the most likely threat to Sorenstam with birdies on 10, 14,16 and 17 to close the gap to just one. Sorenstam, however, was able to birdie both finishing par fives to emerge the winner by two over Park and by three over Pak. Completing a second third and fourth Korean trifecta was Gloria Park, who had her chances also today but was not able to capitalise.
Sorenstam’s win was worth some $US170,000 taking her official earnings for 2002 to beyond $2,600,000 and with another $US215,000 to possibly come her way at the ADT her season’s earnings could exceed last year’s record of $US2,105,000 by some $US700,000.
Interestingly despite her dominance, that amount of money, even if she was to win in two weeks time in Florida, would have had her only in eighth place on the men’s list.
Rachel Teske was the leading Australian in 13th place coming from 26th with a final round 69, Wendy Doolan was 38th and Michelle Ellis 45th. This event determines the final make up of the ADT Championship field as the top thirty on the money list at the completion of the Mizuno Classic get a start there. As it stands right now it does appear that Australians Webb, Teske, Ellis and Shani Waugh will play.
