Sorenstam was unable to end her European career with a win

Sweden's Annika Sorenstam had to settle for third place in her final Ladies European Tour appearance as Martina Eberl won the Nykredit Masters.

Eberl, from Germany, beat England's Melissa Reid by one stroke after a closing seven-under 66 in Denmark.

Sorenstam, who retires at the end of the season, was five shots adrift as she carded a final-round 71.

"I played well and hit the ball beautifully, but Martina played better today," the 37-year-old said.

"You can only do what you can do and it wasn't enough.

"I wasn't thinking about it being my last tournament in Europe throughout the round as I was focused on my game. But on the last hole I was thinking 'Now it comes to an end'".

The winner of 10 majors and 72 titles on the US LPGA Tour, Sorenstam will end her career at the Dubai Ladies Masters in December.

Eberl, who finished with a 14-under total of 205, was delighted to partner Sorenstam in the final round, but even more delighted by hanging on for victory despite a bogey on the final green.

"On 18 I found my ball in the trees and I'm glad I have a great caddie who told me a bogey was enough," she said.

Runner-up Reid, the Tour's leading rookie, had the chance to force a play-off but missed a five-foot birdie putt at the last as she carded a 73.