Gap closing

Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko is in danger of losing her No 1 world ranking. After missing the cut for just the second time in her career at last week’s Kia Classic, the Kiwi’s place at the top is under threat from Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn. Jutanugarn, who has spent 34 consecutive weeks at No 2, improved her position in relation to Ko as the pair lost points following disappointing tournaments. Jutanugarn, who was tied 21st at the Kia Classic, is now just 1.33 average points behind Ko, the closest anyone has come since Ko took the top spot. While Ko was safe in the top spot for now, a win for the Thai 21-yearold at this week’s ANA Inspiration tournament – the first major of the year – could see her end Ko’s run of 75 weeks at the top. Ko is the defending champion at the ANA Inspiration.