Scotland’s Catriona Matthew closed with a slightly disappointing round of four over par 76 and had to settle for a tie for 28th place in the inaugural Grand China Open at Hainan Island.

The North Berwick golfer finished on even par as veteran Swede Helen Alfredsson swept to victory after a terrific last day 65. On 12 under par, she won by three shots from Taiwan’s Yani Tseng (68). 

England’s Karen Stupples, who had led by two shots going into the last round, slipped to a 75 and had to settle for fourth place on seven under par.  

Matthew had opened with a brace of 70s, but could only manage one birdie in the final round.  By contrast, 43-year-old Alfredsson, who won the Evian Masters in July, had eight birdies and just one bogey to continue a remarkable season.

Sweden's Annika Sorenstam, who will take a break from tournament golf at the end of the season, had a 72 for two under and was joint 17th.