Sorenstam has now won all the Grand Slam events Gallery: Photos from Lytham Profile: Awesome Annika

Sorenstam, collecting her second Major tournament of the season, became only the fourth women in the modern era to win all the Grand Slam titles during her career.

The Swede managed a par four at the final hole while her playing partner Pak could only manage a bogey after firing her tee shot into a bunker.

Defending champion Karrie Webb tied for third with Grace Park after a 71 gave her an eight-under total of 280, while overnight leader Patricia Meunier-Lebouc slipped back to fifth place.

LEADERBOARD -10 Annika Sorenstam (Swe) -9 Se Ri Pak (Kor) -8 Grace Park (Kor), Karrie Webb (Aus)

Sorenstam, runner-up in the tournament in 1994, 1995 and 1999, moved clear of the pack when she birdied the 11th.

Pak responded with a birdie of her own at the 12th to tie the lead but Sorenstam edged ahead again at 15.

The Korean again tied the lead with a well-judged birdie putt at the 16th but her mistake at the last gave Sorenstam the chance to wrap up the title.

"I'm overwhelmed - I've wanted this championship so badly for so many years," Sorenstam told BBC Sport.

Have Your Say Salute Sorenstam's Slam

"Being a European, it means a lot. It's a major championship and played on a fantastic course with all these great players.

"When you add all that up, it's just a fabulous tournament.

"I can't believe it. I've won another Major and now I've won all the four so all my goals are coming true."

The British Open began in 1976 and was elevated to major status - alongside the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the US Open and the LPGA Championship - in 2001 when it replaced the Du Maurier Classic.