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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, November 17, 2007

Sorenstam shut out, first time since 1994

Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Annika Sorenstam lost in a three-way playoff and failed to qualify for the third round of the ADT Championship at West Palm Beach, Fla.

LYNNE SLADKY | Associated Press

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Annika Sorenstam's worst year since she was a rookie offered one last hope yesterday afternoon in the ADT Championship when she was among three players desperate to claim the last two spots in the chase for $1 million.

Considering how her season has gone, she might have seen this coming.

Sorenstam hit a quick hook with a 5-iron into the face of a bunker, blasted over the green and was eliminated in a 3-for-2 playoff at Trump International, ending her year without a victory for the first time since 1994.

"I'll get over it," she said tersely. "I'll be back."

Just not for the weekend, where the 16 players who advanced will start today's third round with their scores wiped clean.

Ai Miyazato of Japan saved par with a 7-foot putt on the 17th hole in the playoff, and two-putted from 35 feet on the 18th hole for par to secure one spot. The other went to Natalie Gulbis, who also had pars on the two playoff holes.

This is the second year of this format, and the second year Sorenstam was headed home on the weekend.

But it was not nearly as shocking this year considering her circumstances. The former No. 1 player missed nearly two months of competition with injuries to her back and neck, and figures she played at full strength in less than half her events.

SHORT PUTTS

Defending champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland shot a 5-under 65 for a share of the lead with England's Ian Poulter (68) at 133 in the Dunlop Phoenix at Miyazaki, Japan. ... Sweden's Robert Karlsson shot his second straight 6-under 64 to take a four-stroke lead in the Hong Kong Open. ... Ronnie Black shot a 6-under 66 for a 10-under 134 total and a one-stroke lead after two rounds of the Callaway Golf Pebble Beach Invitational.

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