DUBAI • China's Feng Shanshan became the most successful player in the 10-year history of the Dubai Ladies Masters yesterday when she won the golf tournament for the third time with a record margin of 12 shots.

The Chinese world No. 6, the highest-ranked player in the field, closed with a bogey-free, six-under 66 to complete the double of winning the season-ending championship and the Order of Merit on the Ladies European Tour.

Feng finished on 267 while Thailand's Thidapa Suwannapura (73) was runner-up at 279.

In the process, Feng overtook golf legend Annika Sorenstam's tally of two Dubai Ladies Masters wins, as well as her record of the biggest winning margin, which was six shots in the inaugural event in 2006.

England's Melissa Reid, who started the tournament with a 75, closed with a 69 to finish alone in third place at 280. Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum (69), Germany's Caroline Masson (70) and France's Jade Schaeffer (71) were tied fourth at 281.

Feng started the day five ahead of Suwannapura. That gap quickly became seven after just two holes when the Thai began her final round with a bogey while Feng made a birdie on the second.

The Chinese then made another two birdies on the front nine and added three on the back nine, including one on the par-five 18th where she almost holed her third shot for an eagle.

"Actually, I didn't really think that I could win again," Feng said.

"I was like just get a top five, just enjoy the week and just try my best on every shot. But, of course, I performed really well, I would say really consistent."

Denmark's Emily Kristine Pedersen won the Rookie of the Year honour after finishing ahead of compatriot Nanna Koerstz Madsen, the only other player in the field who had a realistic chance of beating her to the title.

Pedersen closed with a 69 to finish on 286 while Madsen could do no better than a 72 to finish tied 37th at 290.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE