Ayako Uehara suffered a final-round 77 to drop out of contention and finish tied for 25th at the Kia Classic on Sunday.

Uehara started the day tied for third just two strokes off the pace, but her title hopes evaporated after she made one birdie, four bogeys and a double bogey at Aviara Golf Club, finishing at 3-under 285.

Sweden's Anna Nordqvist, who shared third with Uehara, American Dori Carter and China's Feng Shanshan going into the final round, shot a 67 to post a one-shot victory over American Lizette Salas. She closed at 13-under and earned $255,000 for her second win of the season.

"I couldn't get my speed right with my putting in the second half of my round and that is why it all went wrong," said Uehara. "It's incredibly frustrating because I made some good shots.

"Still, I was able to play together with the champion so it has been a good lesson."