Ko shares lead in US tournament
WELLINGTON: Lydia Ko is hinting at having turned a new leaf after a bright start to the latest LPGA tournament in California.
Kiwi former world No 1 Ko, who celebrated her 21st birthday on Tuesday, shared the clubhouse lead with four others at the end of day one at the Mediheal Championship in Daly City, California.
A round of 4underpar 68 included three birdies and an eagle at the par5 fifth hole.
Ko shared the top spot with Korean InKyung Kim, American Jessica Korda, Su Oh, of Australia, and Swede Caroline Hedwall.
Ko has been solid if unspectacular at her last four tournaments, finishing from 19th to 33rd.
It extends a drought without a title which stretches back to July 2016.
She dropped two further spots in this week’s world rankings, to 18th.
Elsewhere, New Zealand men’s No 1 Ryan Fox made a sound start to the China Open in Beijing.
A 2underpar 70 left him in a share of 34th at the European Tour event, six shots behind Chinese leader Daxing Jin.
Danny Lee shares 63rd place at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, which is operating under a team format.
Lee and Swede David Lingmerth are struggling in an 80strong field after carding a 4underpar 68, playing fourball. — NZN