Sorenstam Third in European Farewell

Annika Sorenstam wrapped up her final* competitive tournament appearance in Europe on Sunday, finishing third in the Ladies European Tour's Nykredit Masters in Finland.

Sorenstam announced earlier this year her retirement - pardon me, her "stepping away" - from competitive tournament golf effective at the end of 2008. The Nykredit Masters marks her last appearance in Europe.

Annika posted rounds of 71-68-71 in Finland to finish third, five strokes behind winner Martina Eberl.

Her final LPGA event is the ADT Championship, Nov. 20-23. Sorenstam's final appearance of the season - and of her competitive tournament career? - will be the Dubai Ladies Masters, another LET event, Dec. 11-14.

(*Well, it's her final competitive tournament appearance in Europe if Sorenstam stays retired beyond 2008. As noted earlier, she is studiously avoiding any promises of finality, and leaving the door open for a return to competitive golf in the future.)