Inkster blew the field away in the final round

Her six-stroke victory, achieved with a superb final round of seven under, secured the 43-year-old American a cheque for �220,000, the biggest prize in women's golf.

South Korean Hee Won Han, 21, was second, with Mexico's Lorena Ochoa and American Rosie Jones tied for third on 13 under.

Inkster, after a course record 64 in the third round, started the final day tied with Jones.

But a birdie at the first, three in a row from the seventh and more at the ninth, 14th, 17th and 18th sealed a surprisingly easy win.

"I played great all week and this is a fantastic victory," said Inkster. "It's also the perfect result going into next week's British Open."

EVIAN MASTERS LEADERBOARD (US unless stated) -21 J Inkster -15 Hee Won Han (Kor) -13 R Jones, L Ochoa (Mex) Clubhouse totals

Janice Moodie was the top Briton, closing with a round of 74 to tie for 19th place as she continued her comeback from a severe shoulder injury.

"I'm definitely getting better and my form is returning," said the Scot. "I played well all week but just didn't hole enough putts."

World number one Annika Sorenstam closed with a 69 for a tie for 17th on seven under, but she already has her eye on next week's British Open.

"I actually played better than my score suggests over the last four days and I'm already excited about getting to Lytham," said the Swede.

"I'm still feeling a little tired, but I'm geared up for next week. I've come close to winning the British Open in the past, finishing second three times."