Steinhauer has now won seven titles including two majors

FINAL LEADERBOARD:
-7 S Steinhauer (US)
-4 C Kerr (US), S Gustafson (Swe)
-3 J Inkster (US), L Ochoa (Mex)
Selected others:
+2 K Stupples (Eng)
+3 L Davies (Eng)
+6 M Wie (US)
+7 A Sorenstam (Swe)

American Sherri Steinhauer won her third Women's British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes by three shots.

The 43-year-old dropped a shot at the 18th - her first bogey in 49 holes - to become the oldest Open title-winner.

Steinhauer finished on seven under par ahead of compatriot Cristie Kerr and Swede Sophie Gustafson who were tied for second on four under.

Leading Briton Karen Stupples had a disappointing 78 and slipped from tied second overnight to a share of 10th.

Interview: Women's British Open winner Sherri Steinhauer

England's Laura Davies was one behind Stupples on three over after a 74, while 16-year-old Michelle Wie also carded a 74 to finish on six over and joint 26th.

It is the first time this year the American starlet has not finished in the top five at a major.

World number one Annika Sorenstam, who won the title when the championship was last played at Lytham three years ago, had a very poor 79 and finished on seven over.

Steinhauer is only the second woman to win the British Open three times.

Her previous victories, on this course in 1998 and at Woburn in 1999, came before the tournament was awarded major status.

"The fact that it is now a major is the biggest thrill," she said after collecting the �160,000 first prize.

"Right now, I'm on cloud nine. I was trying to stay calm all day and not think too far ahead. But this is just so special."