Women's Golf/ Austrian Open: Sweden's Sophie Gustafson just held off a charging Laura Davies to claim her 12th title on the Women's European Tour in the Austrian Open at Fohrenwald-Wiener yesterday.

Davies had started the final round six shots behind her Solheim Cup colleague - but came close to snatching victory with five birdies in the final seven holes. But a 67 for 15 under par was two shots too many for the English golfer.

Gustafson, who had five birdies and four bogeys, posted a 71 for 17 under and took her first win since she won three times in a glittering 2003 season.

Spain's Ana Belen Sanchez, a member of the winning 2003 Solheim Cup team, closed with a 69 and was in third place on 11 under par.

But England's Lisa Hall, who started the day tied third with Davies, stumbled to a 78 and was joint 13th on four under par. For Davies, who won the SAS Masters in Norway last month, it was a sixth second place in Europe this summer and looks a good bet to clinch a record seventh New Star Order of Merit title. She is ahead of Gwladys Nocera and the French golfer is in California preparing for this week's LPGA pre-qualifying school.

But Nocera could catch her if she wins the English Open and the Dubai Masters next month. Davies misses both tournaments as she is taking part in a charity walk along the Great Wall of China. "It was a bit of a shame that I came second again, but it's still been a great run in Europe this year," said Davies.