Golf: Aussies the target in run for first win

The fierce transtasman sporting rivalry between New Zealand and Australia resumes again in Christchurch today when the best amateur golfers from both countries clash in the Four Nations Cup decider.

The showdown at Shirley will have the two teams teeing off with honours even. Both have disposed of Canada and Japan in the first two rounds and both have won the same number of individual games.

New Zealand have the home advantage, but history is on Australia's side. In the eight previous contests of the biennial event, Australia have claimed the cup six times, while New Zealand's silverware cabinet remains bare.

New Zealand will have their No 1, Brad Iles, available for the crucial contest. He had been in doubt because of a family bereavement, but will complete the tournament before undertaking that assignment.

Both maintained their unbeaten records yesterday as New Zealand turned back Japan 7-2 and Australia saw Canada off 5 1/2 to 3 1/2.

Neither New Zealand nor Australia were comfortably placed after the three morning foursomes, Australia losing two of them to titleholders Canada and the home team finishing level with Japan.

But both rallied in the singles, although Australia were in danger of drawing with Canada until the last match finished.

Australian No 2 Michael Sim and Canadian Craig Doell were all square playing the last. Had Doell won the 18th, Canada would have levelled the tie, but Sim won it for Australia with a birdie.

New Zealand needed to win all six singles to head Australia in individual matches, and almost achieved that with a total of 5 1/2.

Mathew Holten came from three down after 14 holes to achieve the half.

- NZPA