Early starters hoping to move up the leaderboard included Juli Inkster who had the unusual experience of an early Sunday morning wake up call. There was a small but appreciative crowd following her and her partner Australian Cherie Byrnes. The first nine saw chances of birdies but the putts would not drop. On the 11th Inkster unfortuntely drove into the bushes and was forced to take a penalty drop, after being lucky to find her ball, resulted in a bogey 6 on a hole which she had birdied on the previous two days. After recording birdies at 15 and 16 she finished on plus 5 for the championship,one under for the day.

Of the other early starters, home grown Alison Nicholas and playing partner Kirsty Taylor had indifferent rounds. Alison is packing to head to Malmo in Sweden on Monday with about six hopefuls for the European Solheim Cup team before moving onto Stockholm for the Compaq Open. Alison was keen to stress her disappointment that there was little talent coming through to replace her and Laura Davies.

I would like to see the ELGA, LGU and Golf Foundation get together to encourage girls to play golf and that clubs have to begin to relax some of their rules .

Joining the trip to Stockholm is Warwickshire s Nicola Moult, who did not qualify for this championship. She did caddy for fellow Evian tour professional Marnie McGuire. After the round she was asked who she thought would win.

Nicola said pin positions are very difficult and one was only three paces of the edge, so it is difficult to predict . She is hoping to maintain her Evain tour card for next year and is planning to play on the Japanese tour for more experience.

Elisa Serramia of Spain is the winner of Smyth Salver as best amateur. This 18 year old was winner of the 2003 Ladies British Amateur Championship played at Lindrick. She completed the tournament on 294 with a one over par 73 today.

Talking about the European Solheim Cup challenge Captain Catrine Nilsmark I would like Patricia (Meunier Lebouc)to do well as she has been playing well in the America and it would be nice for Paula Marti to make some points before going over to the States .

She will be announcing her team after the Wales WPGA Championship of Europe which is being played at Royal Porthcawl 22-25 August 2003.

Best round of the morning came from New Zealander Lynnette Brooky with a 69 which left her on par for the championship.

Home grown players did not make the hoped for challenge with Laura Davies finishing on 289. Jo Head had a disappointing back nine to finish on 5 over par. Georgina Simpson finished in a flourish by having a biride on the last to finish on 291. Suzanne Strudwick was first out this morning and had a disappointing championship and will be returning to the States shortly.

Becky Morgan had been bogey free since the third hole on the first day until she reached the par 4 4th but still managed a level par 35 for the outward nine. Unfortunately her finish was not what she would have liked and her score at the end of the day was 289.

Spanish player Paula Marti had a up and down round when she finished with a 76 leaving her one under for the tournament and tied for 12th place with leading British player Karen Stupples. Karen had played steady until the last hole which cost her a double bogey. Previous Champion Sophie Gustafson also had a fine round of 71 to finish on -4 and in 8th position.

American challengers for the Solheim cup had an indifferent day with Meg Mallon, playing with Laura Davies, having a birdie free round. Vicki Goetze-Ackerman improved her chances of make the Americans team with a steady par 71 to finish 283 (-5). Kelli Kuehne had the misfortune of a two shot penalty when the ball hit her club after a bunker shot on the 474 yard par 5 6th hole. This hole despite its length is good opportunity for a birdie even though it is a dog leg with a large bunker just before the corner. Heather Bowie found the conditions not to her liking and finished over par for the tournament.

US Captain Patti Sheehan commented It is playing tough out there and I think the players are very lucky to have good weather otherwise it would be very brutal . She is also taking players to Malmo for a practice round and these include Meg Mallon, Beth Daniel, Hilary Lunke (US Open Champion) and Angela Stanford.

Early holes for the leaders proved difficult with all of them dropping shots on the first few holes. Overnight leader Patricia Meunier Lebouc was three over par for the first nine which along with playing partner Wendy Ward let the door open for the battle of the giants, Annika Sorenstam, Se Ri Pak, Karrie Webb and Grace Park. Both players finished with 76 on the final day.

Grace Park double bogeyed the first but fought back to put pressure on the two past champions (Webb and Pak) and Annika who has been desperate to win the Weetabix British Open as it was the one major that has eluded her.

Karrie Webb was unable to maintain her challenge after recording a birdie at the 15th hole and played the last three holes to par as did Grace Park. This left the playing partners Se Ri Pak and Annika Sorenstam to almost be playing match play golf.

Annika birdied the sixth hole to draw level with Se Ri. Pak regained the lead with a birdie on the par 5 7th which she held until the 10th when she dropped at the 10th. Annika recorded a birdie at the 11th to which Se Ri responded with a birdie 2 and the difficult 12th.

With both players have pars on the next two holes other challengers fell away. Se Ri then bunkered her second shot on the par 5 15th and only managed to par the hole whereas Annika two putted for a birdie. Se Ri again responded with a birdie on the 16th holes and managed to match Annika s par on 17th with an excellent sand save.

The drama then unfolded on the 18th with Se Ri driving into the fairway bunker. Annika hit a long tee shot past the bunkers. Se Ri could only manage to pitch out of the bunker but hit a good iron shot to the green. Annika sent a pin high shot to the green. Se Ri then failed to make par leaving Annika 2 putts for the Championship finishing at 10 under on 278.

After her round and whilst waiting for the final pair to finish Annika said I am thrilled. I have been wanting this tournament for so long and been close. I don t think it has sunk in yet .

At the end of the four days we had what everyone hoped for - an exciting finish with some excellent golf. Sir Richard George, Chairman of Weetabix Limited must be very pleased - along with Annika!