Johnson edges out Nicholas

Trish Johnson birdied the 18th hole to edge out Alison Nicholas in an all-British duel and ended a long lean spell with victory in the French Open today at Paris International.

The 33-year-old, from Surrey, without a win since this event three years ago, hit a brave second shot from 113 yards aboard the green with a nine iron at the par-five final hole.

The six-under-par 282 total was good enough to secure the £15,000 first prize by a shot from Nicholas, who also shot 67.

Playing in the group ahead of Johnson, Nicholas, who had birdied three holes in a row from the 12th to get into contention, had chosen to lay up from 155 yards.

"It was a tricky downhill lie and a very risky shot," she said in her defence. "Perhaps I should have gone for it, but hindsight is a great thing."

Johnson, who finished second in the ShopRite Classic in America last month, was relieved to have ended her victory drought.

"At last," she said. "Three years is a long time.

"I had several second places in Europe last year and you do wonder when you are going to win again. It's great to be back in that winner's circle again."

Nicholas, who has also not won in Europe since 1996, had been hoping to add the title to her Hawaiian Open victory on the American Tour in February. In three European starts this season, she now has two seconds and a third.

Three players shared third place on three under 285 - Dutch player Mette Hageman (72) and two Australians, Fiona Pike and Anne-Marie Knight, who both shot 68.

Patricia Meunier Lebouc, from France, joint overnight leader with Hageman, dropped three shots in a row from the 13th in a 73 and finished on two under.

Surrey's Jo Head set a course record with a flawless seven birdie 65. It was the best score of her career and a 16-shot improvement on her third round 81. It lifted her through the field to joint-11th on one-over-par 289.