Sorenstam Wins Record Fifth Tourney

“Golf Empress” Annika Sorenstam (Sweden) won her fifth straight victory at the same tournament, the first time ever for a professional golfer.

On November 6, Sorenstam won her ninth championship this season with a 21-under 195 after hitting a 8-under 64 in the final round of the LPGA Mizuno Classic (purse: $ 1million) held at the Seta Golf Club (par 72) in Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

With the win, Sorenstam, who has won this championship since 2001, set a new record of five same-tournament victories in a row, which has never been achieved by anyone in the PGA, as well as in LPGA.

Meanwhile, Kim Young (25. Shinsegae) who was going for her first LPGA championship and was leading the match for the two straight days, tied for third place (16-under 200) after falling back only two strokes.

Lee Mi-na (24) and Jang Jeong (25) tied for sixth place (14-under 202), and Ahn Si-hyun (Kolon Elord) tied for 10 place (11-under 205).

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com