PALM DESERT, California, 18 October 2005 — Michelle Wie was sensationally disqualified on her professional debut on Sunday, overshadowing a brilliant display by Annika Sorenstam, who eased to a record fifth victory in the Women’s World Championship.

Sorenstam dominated the event from the opening day and the Swede, who led by four strokes overnight, eased to an eight-shot triumph with a final round three-under-par 69 for a 270 total, on a day that included over three hours of weather delays.

Wie had slumped to a final-round 74 that was still good enough for a creditable fourth-place finish, but a drop violation in her third round on Saturday was highlighted to officials and the 16-year-old Hawaiian was subsequently disqualified.

American Paula Creamer fired a final round 70 to finish alone in second place, a stroke clear of South Korean Gloria Park who slumped to a 74.

However, neither player came close to stopping the world No. 1 from picking up her eighth victory on the LPGA Tour this season and ninth worldwide.

It was also the first time that Sorenstam had won the same tournament five times — equaling an LPGA record set by Mickey Wright in the Sea Island Open between 1957 and 1963 - and the $212,500 saw her clinch both her eighth LPGA money list title ($2,205,104) and a record eighth Player of the Year title.

“I’m very proud of the way I played,” Sorenstam said.

“I played four solid rounds of golf and I want to try to finish the season as hot as the way I started it (three wins in a row).”

The Swede refused to admit that Wie’s presence had been an extra motivator, but she did add: “This was a week with a little bit extra on the line. I had the chance to make history and clinch the Player of the Year title and so on.

“I don’t feel I need to make a statement, but I do love the challenge. There is no doubt that the young players will take over eventually, but I’m not going to give away the No. 1 ranking easily.” Wie was clearly upset at the situation, but put on a brave face when she addressed reporters.

“They (LPGA officials) said it was three inches ahead but it looked fine to me,” she said, while battling back tears. “I am really sad but rules are rules and I respect them.” Despite her strong finish, the 19-year-old Cremer was a little disappointed to trail Sorenstam by such a big margin.

“I don’t like finishing second, and especially not by eight shots,” she said.

“But I think that Annika definitely sent out a statement this week, saying ‘I’m still here and I’m the number one player in the world.’ It was certainly remarkable round today. But she also had no pressure, no one pushed her.”

Short Jr. Scoops Las Vegas

Jackpot With Maiden Win

In New York, American journeyman Wes Short Jr. hit the jackpot at the Las Vegas Championship on Sunday, beating three-time winner Jim Furyk at the second playoff hole to claim his first career title.

Short, who started the week 176th on the money list and battling to finish in the top 125 to secure his card for next season, scooped a first prize of $720,000 and a two-year PGA Tour exemption. It was truly a Cinderella week for the 41-year-old Short, who only gained entry to the $4 million event following Arron Oberholser’s withdrawal. “I can’t talk, I don’t have to go to tour school now, I’m so happy,” Short said.

After the two players parred the first playoff hole, Furyk sent his tee shot into the water at the par-three 17th to open the door for Short who found a greenside bunker.

Short, though, blasted out of the sand to within 18 inches of the cup to leave a routine putt for par.

He had staged a rally over the final regulation holes to force the extra holes, picking up his eagle at 16 and holing a nine-foot birdie putt at 18 to record a six-under 66 for a 21-under total of 266 at the TPC at Summerlin.

Furyk, who won earlier this season at the Western Open, had two eagles on his card but a bogey at the last gave the 2003 US Open champion a seven-under 65.

Ted Purdy (71), who held a three-shot lead with nine to play, dropped out of contention with a triple-bogey at the 17th. He finished in a tie for third place with Harrison Frazar (69) on 19-under 268. Rookie Kevin Stadler began the day tied for fifth, just three shots off the lead and poised for the best result of his career.

However, Stadler ended up disqualifying himself, informing officials shortly after the start of play that he had an illegal club in his bag. After consulting PGA Tour rules, officials disqualified Stadler for having what was described as a bent club in his bag.