Golf: Brooky challenging for lead in Northern Ireland

New Zealand golfer Lynnette Brooky was challenging strongly at the halfway mark of the 150,000 euros ($292,740) BT Ladies Open in Northern Ireland today.

Brooky was in outright third on seven-under-par 137, just two shots behind the leader, Sweden's Sophie Gustafson, at the Warrenpoint Golf Club at Newry.

A three-time winner on Europe's Evian Tour, Brooky put together rounds of 67 and 70 as she looks to build on her successful defence of the French Open title earlier this season.

Compatriot Gina Scott was in a share of 20th place on 145 after shooting 71 today while a third New Zealander, Pam Sowden, was back in 54th equal on 149 after carding 75.

Brooky was disappointed with her finish, which dropped her out of a share of second place alongside England's Alison Nicholas.

"I feel quite disappointed with the ending, I missed a stupid putt on the last so I'm not up there with Alison.

"It's still quite easy out there but I started to get a bit tired at the end.

"It's been a long few weeks on the road but I'm just going to bed early now and trying to get the best out of the next few weeks."

Leading scores:-

135 - Sophie Gustafson (Sweden) 66 69

136 - Alison Nicholas (England) 67 69

137 - LYNNETTE BROOKY (NZ) 67 70

138 - Rebecca Stevenson (Australia) 71 67, Florence Descampe (Belgium) 68 70

139 - Ana B Sanchez (Spain) 68 71, Iben Tinning (Denmark) 72 67

Also

145 - GINA SCOTT (NZ) 74 71

149 - PAM SOWDEN (NZ) 74 75

- NZPA