Sweden's Anna Nordqvist poses for the media holding the trophy after winning the Women's British Open golf championship, during the presentation ceremony in Carnoustie, U.K., on Aug. 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

       Japan's Ayaka Furue plays a driver off the 5th tee during the final round of the Women's British Open golf championship, in Carnoustie, U.K., on Aug. 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

       CARNOUSTIE, Scotland (Kyodo) -- Sweden's Anna Nordqvist held on to claim her third major title at the Women's British Open golf championship on Sunday, while Japan's Ayaka Furue slipped down the leaderboard to finish in a tie for 20th.

       Nordqvist, winner of the 2009 LPGA Championship and the 2017 Evian Championship, carded a final round 69 at Carnoustie Golf Links to finish on 12-under par, one shot clear of England's Georgia Hall, Sweden's Madelene Sagstrom and American Lizette Salas.

       Furue started the fourth round four shots behind overnight co-leaders Nordqvist and Denmark's Nanna Koerstz Madsen, but lost ground on the leaders as she carded a level-par round of 72 that featured an eagle, two birdies and four bogeys.

       "It's such a difficult course, it didn't match my level of play. Playing against the wind was harder than golf in the rain," said the 21-year-old Furue, who finished the tournament with a 5-under-par total of 283.

       "I want to be able to make adjustments during the round, even on bad days when I need to persevere. Playing at the (famed) links venue was a good experience."

       Elsewhere for Japan, Nasa Hataoka was tied for 26th at 3-under and Hinako Shibuno was 34th at 1-under. Filipino-Japanese golfer Yuka Saso finished the tournament at even-par.

       For many players, the Women's British Open was their first event since the Tokyo Games, including world No. 1 and Olympic gold medalist Nelly Korda of the United States, who hit 72 to finish in a tie for 13th at 6-under.

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