Davies misses out as Zorzi clings on
England’s Laura Davies fell just short of snatching victory as Italy’s Veronica Zorzi successfully defended the Vediorbis French Open in a drama-packed finish at Arras Golf Club in France.
Zorzi appeared in total control when she led by five shots with four holes to play.
But she then dropped shots at the last four holes, leaving Davies with a six-foot birdie chance at the long 18th to force a play-off.
But the putt slipped by, leaving the former world number one to finish runner-up for the second week in a row on the Ladies’ European Tour.
Zorzi closed with a 72 for a seven-under-par aggregate of 281, with Davies posting a 69 for six-under overall.
France’s Stephanie Arricau was third on three-under after a 72, while Gwladys Nocera, who beat Davies for the Swiss Open the previous week, also shot level par for two-under.
Davies said: “Veronica was playing so well that I never really thought I had a chance.
“It was a bit of s surprise to suddenly have a shot at taking it into a play-off, but the putt just wobbled on the edge.”
But while she was disappointed not to end a victory drought, stretching back to the 2004 Australian Women’s Open, the 42-year-old has still accomplished her main objective on a return to Europe.
Davies had missed seven cuts from eight tournaments in a dismal run in America, but she heads back across the Atlantic for this week’s ShopRite Classic in Atlantic City with her confidence restored.
“These two weeks have been great for the confidence,” said Davies.
“I always intended to play more in Europe this summer because I want to collect some Solheim Cup points, and this has certainly proved to be a very worthwhile fortnight.
“Hopefully, I can go back to the LPGA Tour and start producing some similar scores.”
For Zorzi, it was a second tour victory.
“Last year I won with a birdie at the last and this time it was a bogey,” said the relieved 25-year-old.
“It was close in the end, but I’m just delighted to have retained the title.”
