Ardina ends tied for 64th

MANILA, Philippines — German Sophia Popov ended a long chase for a breakthrough in the big league with a major victory no less romping off with the British Women’s Open crown by two strokes over Thai Jasmine Suwannapura after a 68 at Royal Troon in Scotland Sunday.

Popov, who took control by three after a wild first two days with a fiery bogey-free, eagle-aided third round 67, warded off her rivals’ threats with clutch birdies, including a pair of back-to-back feats from Nos. 2 and 15, to claim the victory on a 277 aggregate.

She pocketed a whopping $675,000 and became the first German to win a women’s major championship, joining men’s champions Bernhard Langer and Martin Kaymer.

Filipina Dottie Ardina matched par 71, her best in four days after 78, 73 and 76. But she could only turn in a tied for 64th effort at 298 worth $8,217.

Ardina birdied two of the first five holes but failed to get going the rest of the way.