Nordquist takes trophy at Kia Classic in California

Anna Nordqvist rallied to win the Kia Classic on Sunday at Carlsbad, California, for her second victory in her last four LPGA Tour starts.

Two strokes behind leaders Cristie Kerr and Lizette Salas entering the round, Nordqvist closed with her second straight 5-under 67 for a one-stroke victory over Salas.

Nordqvist won in Thailand last month to end a long drought, holding off top-ranked Park In-bee. The 26-year-old Swede also won the LPGA Championship and LPGA Tour Championship in 2009.

Projected to jump from 16th to ninth in the world, Nordqvist finished at 13-under 275 and earned $255,000. Salas birdied the 18th for a 70.

Park, preparing for her major title defense next week in the Kraft Nabisco Championship in Rancho Mirage, California, had a 68 to join third-ranked Stacy Lewis (71), Pak Se-ri (69) and Ji Eun-hee (71) at 8 under. Michelle Wie had a 70 to finish in a share of 16th at 5 under.