M. Smith slips to seventh

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34156, 18 May 1976, Page 30

M. Smith slips to seventh

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RALEIGH (North Carolina). Marilyn Smith of New Zealand, had a disappointing final round 75 to finish seventh in the American Defender golf classic, after leading on Sunday.

The American veteran, Sue Roberts, winning her first tournament in more than a year, fired a two under par 70 yesterday to capture the $36,450 classic by a stroke, United Press International reported. Roberts, leader of the

rain-interrupted first round and second after Sunday's second round, had a 54-hole total of 211 to eam the $5184 top prize. A shot back were Kathy Whitworth with a 70, the defending champion, Joanne Carner, with a 68, Hollis Stacy with a 68 and Californian Carole Joe Skala with a 71.

Betty Burfeindt had an even-par 72 and was alone at 213, two shots behind the winner, over the 6139yard North Ridge Country Club course.

Marilyn Smith, who celebrated her twenty-fourth birthday two days ago, slumped with her 75 and finished with a 214 total, a stroke ahead of Mickey Wright, an L.P.G.A. Hail of Fame member who closed with a 74.

Bunched at 217 were the leading money-winner, Judy Rankin, closing at 74, and Australian Jan Stephenson, runner-up at the women's international a week ago. She finished the last round with a 73.