Golf: Ko loses but NZ team triumphs

The world's number one amateur Lydia Ko tasted defeat, but the New Zealand team emerged triumphant against South Africa at golf's Astor Trophy teams tournament in England this morning (NZT).

South Africa's Kim Williams used a hole in one on the 10th hole to inspire her past Ko 1-up in their singles match, but wins in both foursomes ensured tournament favourites New Zealand won the match 4 1/2-2 1/2 at the Fairhaven Golf Club in Lancashire.

"I played solid today but was unlucky for the singles match," said Ko.

Williams birdied the final hole to down the 14-year-old, while world No. 2 Cecilia Cho won 2 and 1 against Illiska Verwey.

In another singles match Julianne Alvarez crushed Tiffany Averen-Taplin 7 and 5 to claim her first win on international duty.

"I played well today for the first time in ages," said the 14-year-old.

Chantelle Cassidy let a three shot lead after 12 holes slip against Bertine Strauss to halve their match and Emily Perry was hammered 7 and 6 by Henriette Frylinck to ensure the singles were shared.

But New Zealand, seeking to win the trophy for Commonwealth women's golf supremacy for the first time, had taken a 2-0 lead in the match earlier in the day after Ko and Cho teamed up to win their foursomes against Williams and Verwey 5 and 3 and Perry and Cassidy had combined to down Strauss and Frylinck 2 and 1.

Alvarez will partner Ko in one foursomes pairing tomorrow against Canada while Perry and Cassidy will combine again in the other foursomes.

Great Britain and Ireland lead the event after beating Australia 5-2.

- NZPA