Catriona Matthew too strong for world’s best in Mexico

NORTH Berwick’s Catriona Matthew pulled off the latest victory of her remarkable career as she beat a select field containing the world’s best players to win the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Mexico.

Three shots in front heading into the final round of the $1 million event in Guadalajara, the 42-year-old Scot surged seven clear of the field after covering her opening seven holes in three-under.

Matthew, the 2009 Women’s British Open champion, moved to 15-under for the tournament after her fourth birdie of the day at the ninth, taking her out in 32.

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After dropping shots at the 12th and 15th, the Archerfield Links player saw her lead reduced to three as Swede Anna Nordqvist made a charge after picking up three birdies in seven holes after the turn.

But, using the experience she has gained from playing in six Solheim Cups, Matthew held her nerve, eventually signing for a one-under-par 71 and a winning total of 276.

She won by four shots from Nordqvist, who dropped a shots at the last two holes, and defending champion Kim In-kyung of South Korea after she, like Nordqvist, also closed with a 71.

It was the ninth victory of Matthew’s career – she has also won in Australia, Brazil and Hawaii as well as the American mainland and in Europe – and her second this year, having stormed to a ten-shot success in the Aberdeen Scottish Ladies Open at Archerfield Links in August.

“I think I’m putting the ball better this year, being more consistent,” said Matthew before heading out for her final round in Mexico, where former world No 1 Ochoa was hosting her charity event for the fourth year.

“I haven’t made the mistakes that I have made in the last couple of years. There were more bad shots in the last years.

“This year, in general, I’ve been more consistent and pitching the ball better, which makes it easier when you’re on the fairway.”