Ko battles back pain

Lydia Ko finished tied for third in her latest quest for an 18th LPGA Tour title and then told the TV audience she’d struggled with back pain in her final round due to her period.

‘‘It’s that time of the month,’’ the New Zealander said.

‘‘I know the ladies watching are probably like, ’yeah, I catch you’,’’ Ko said while laughing.

‘‘So when that happens my back gets really tight and I’mall twisted ... So, yeah, there you go.’’

The 25-year-old finished two shots off winner Marina Alex, of the United States, at the Palos Verdes Championship in California.

Ko carded a final round of one-under-par 70 to end up at eight-under for the tournament, while Alex won at 10-under after a final round 66.

South Korea’s Jin Young Ko (66) was second on nine-under, while the New Zealander was tied for third with Meghan Kang (US), who closed with 68.