Laura Davies romps to eight shot win

Britain's Laura Davies maintained her remarkable record of success on the European Tour when she strolled to a successful defence of the Chrysler Open at Halmstad in Sweden.

With a final round 67 for a 15 under par 273, the 35-year-old - five ahead at the start of the day - finished eight shots ahead of her nearest challenger, fellow Briton Alison Nicholas.

Sweden's Catrin Nilsmark finished third another two shots back on five under par 283.

Davies picked up £22,500 and not only extended her record of European titles to 29, but she also continued an amazing run which has seen her win at least once every year since she turned professional in 1985. It was her 55th career win.

It was her first win since the US Tour Players' Championship in Las Vegas in December, and her first European title since this event a year ago.

The former world number one said: "This is the best I've played for the last couple of years and I'm very, very pleased.

"But it's no surprise. I've been playing well for the past few weeks and this is now a great springboard for the rest of the season."

Davies had gone into the final round claiming she would take nothing for granted. But birdies at the opening two holes, from three feet at the first and a drive, three iron and two putts at the 483 yards second put the issue beyond doubt. She ended the round in style by holing a 30-foot birdie putt at the 18th.

"I was a bit nervous because I once blew a four-shot lead in America," Davies added, "but I could enjoy it by the end."

Nicholas, the 1997 US Open Champion, staged a fighting finish with a back nine 33 and her five-birdie four under par 68 secured the £15,225 second price.

"I'm delighted to have won the battle for second place," said the 37-year-old from Birmingham. "But it was a terrific performance by Laura. She's back to her best."