Sweden's Sophie Gustafson, with a wealth of experience and the confidence of two wins already this year, snatched a dramatic victory from French rookie Marine Monnet at the Waterford Crystal Irish Open yesterday at Faithlegg, Co Waterford.

Monnet, last year's British Amateur champion, set out on the final round with a four-shot lead and with her sights firmly set on a first win in her brief, nine-month professional career.

But Gustafson had designs on repeating her Irish Open victory at Ballyliffin two years ago, and she whittled away at Monnet's advantage, drawing level with a par to a bogey at the 17th and then holing a five-foot birdie putt at the last for a 69 and a one-shot win on six-under-par 282.

Poor Monnet. Not only had she let slip the £15,000 first prize, but she also lost out on the final qualifying spot for this week's £1 million sterling Evian Masters in France. Understandably, she was in floods of tears as she signed for a 74.

"I knew Marine would be nervous on the back nine and I wasn't thinking scores just about trying to take her," said a delighted Gustafson, who won the Italian Open three weeks ago and extended her lead at the head of the Order of Merit.

"I loved Ireland after my win two years ago, now it's even better."

Susie O'Brien, who will make her Curtis Cup debut for Britain and Ireland against America at Ganton in England in two weeks, fired a fine final day 72 to finish joint 27th on seven over par.

But she just lost out by a shot to Dubliner Aideen Rogers in the race for the leading home player. Rogers shot a 74 for a share of 19th place.

"It was a great experience," said Milltown's O'Brien, who is also a member of the nearby Tramore Club. "It's nice to know you can keep up with the professionals, although I would never think of joining them. I don't think I would enjoy the lifestyle."

While no one else threatened to make it a three-horse race, Trish Johnson did claim the leading British place in a four-way share of third following a 70, while Laura Davies, who had been looking for a third Irish title, was a shot further back.

But all day the attention was firmly focused on Gustafson and Monnet, who is already odds-on favourite to win this year's Rookie of the Year award.

Monnet started brightly, holing from three feet for birdie at the first and then chipping in for another at the fourth in the most impressive of openings.

But Gustafson had birdied the first two to stay within four, and when Monnet dropped five shots between the fifth and 13th, the writing was beginning to appear on the wall.

Gustafson got level with a birdie at the 14th, but Monnet bounced back with one of her own at the 15th to retake a lead that she would see disappear at the final two holes.