Kim Wins Dubai Masters As Wie's Late Charge Falls Short

Michelle Wie’s late charge fell short at the Dubai Ladies Masters on Saturday and In-Kyung Kim of South Korea claimed a three-shot victory at the season-ending tournament for her first European Tour title.

Wie shot a 7-under 65, tied for the day’s best round, but the 13th-ranked Kim responded to the pressure with a 4-under 68 that left her at 18-under 270. Maria Hjorth of Sweden was third at 274 after a 68.

“Michelle had a great turn. She had six birdies until 13 and that was very impressive,” Kim said. “But I tried to keep playing my game and I think I did a good job. After I made the birdie on the 10th, I knew I was playing well and had nothing to worry (about).”

Wie could have made Kim sweat on No. 18, but her attempt to reach the green in two failed when her ball rolled back into a water hazard. Wie made par but the pressure was off Kim.

“I was annoyed by that second shot. But you know, other than that, I felt like I tried my hardest out there,” Wie said.

Sweden’s Sophie Gustafson, who finished at 6 under and tied for 14th, did enough to win the European Tour’s Order of Merit title ahead of Catriona Matthew of Scotland.

Anna Nordqvist of Sweden was named rookie of the year after shooting a 72 that gave her a share of fourth at 11 under with France’s Virginie Lagoutte-Clement (65), England’s Laura Davies (67) and Spain’s Tania Elosegui (69).

12/12/2009 3:12 PM DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)