POND: HJORTH LEADS CHARGE OF 'SLEEPER' GROUP

MARIA HJORTH

Sooner or later, Maria Hjorth is going to find herself in the winner's circle. Her play at this week's Evian Masters, once again, proved just that.

The powerful, long-hitting Swede used her length, delicate touch around the greens and stellar putting to grab a share of ninth place at the picturesque tournament held in southeastern France.

After opening with a sizzling 5-under-par 67, Hjorth finished the final 54 holes at 5 under to get to 10 under for the tournament.

Amy Yang, who has become a favorite in our "sleeper" group, finished tied for 14th at 8 under par following a 5-under 67 in the final round. The South Korean also carded a 67 on Friday in the second round of play.

But perhaps the most impressive play - and tournament rally - came from Anna Nordqvist. The Swede barely made the cut, opening with a brutal, 5-over 77 for a share of 99th place. However, Nordqvist put that shaky start behind her to go 12 under the rest of the way to pick up a share of 17th place and confidence heading into next week's Women's British Open.

Take a look at how the overall group fared throughout Evian Masters:

MARIA HJORTH

Finish: Tied for 9th (-10, 278)

Scoring by rounds: 67-69-70-72
2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 16th (-6)

AMY YANG

Finish: Tied for 14th (-8, 280)
Scoring by rounds: 73-67-73-67
2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 64th (+3)

ANNA NORDQVIST

Finish: Tied for 17th (-7, 281)
Scoring by rounds: 77-68-69-67
2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 19th (-5)

MEENA LEE

Finish: Tied for 44th (Even, 288)

Scoring by rounds: 71-73-72-72
2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 16th (-6)

SONG-HEE KIM

Finish: Tied for 50th (+1, 289)

Scoring by rounds: 71-71-71-76

2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 6th (-10)

- Jeremy Pond, LPGA Tour Live

- Photo courtesy of Getty Images