INKSTER BECOMES FIRST AMERICAN TO WIN EVIAN MASTERS

(Evian, July 26 2003) After a course record 64 on Friday, Juli Inkster resumed her electric form on Saturday as she fired a final round, error free seven under par 65 to win the $315,000 first prized at the 10th edition of the Evian Masters high above the banks of Lake Geneva, becoming the first American to snare the flagship event on the Ladies European Tour.

Inkster, known as 'Super Mom' on Tour, celebrated her wedding anniversary by finishing on 21 under par, breaking Annika Sorenstam's record total of last year by two shots as she notched up her 30th career victory.

Julie Inkster with Trophy Photo Bethan Cutler

he 43-year-old from Los Altos in California heads into next weeks Weetabix Women's British Open aiming for the a 'Super Career Grand Slam', where she could join Australia's Karrie Webb, the defending champion in becoming only the second player to win all five of the women's major titles.

Playing partner Hee-Won from Korea slipped into second place on 15 under after a final round two under par 70, two shots clear of Mexican Lorena Ochoa, who finished with a birdie and an eagle for the second day running to post a 68.

Webb, who has not won since her sixth major victory at Turnberry last year, began her day in sterling fashion with four straight birdies, closing with a 68 and her tie for fourth alongside American Rosie Jones, who struggled to a 73, suggests that her form is good heading to Royal Lytham and St Annes GC.

Korean Se Ri Pak sits alone on 11 under par in sixth place, a shot clear of Michelle Redman and Christie Kerr from the USA and sharing ninth spot on nine under par were Lorie Kane from Canada and another Korean, Soo-Yun Kang.

But it was Inkster who showed no mercy here on the Alpine slopes as she sprinted out of the blocks with a front nine of 32, carding four birdies without any errors.

The back nine was a close facsimile with a birdie on the par three 16th and closed with birdies at the final two holes to win by six shots.

"It was tough starting out as there were many players in the hunt, but I managed to pull away a little," said Inkster, who brought her husband Brian and children Cori and Haley to Evian for a week's holiday.

"Coming down the back nine was a lot of fun and I had the chance to soak up the atmosphere," she added.

"It's an honour to become the first American to win the event and today was my anniversary and it's a great way to celebrate it.

"It's also my 30th Tour win in nearly 20 years as a pro, so Evian will always hold a special place in my heart."

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