Golf: NZ finishes runner-up at Queen Sirikit Cup

World No 1 amateur Lydia Ko saved her best for last to led New Zealand to a runner-up finish on yesterday's final day of the Queen Sirikit Cup in Singapore.

The North Harbour teenager, who celebrated her 15th birthday on day one of the tournament, fired a four under par 68 in the final round at the Tanah Merah Country Club to help New Zealand edge the close battle for second place.

Defending champions South Korea trumped the rest of the field on the final day of the 34th Queen Sirikit Cup, clinching their sixth consecutive crown in the event. They extend their lead as the most successful team in the Queen Sirikit Cup having won a total of 15 times over the Cup's 34-year history.

The Koreans finished with a three-day total of 413 strokes, 25 strokes ahead of runners up New Zealand (438).

New Zealand, who were fourth after the second day, moved up the standings on the strength of a stellar showing from Ko.

"I felt good playing the final round at that time of day, and just stumbled with a lone bogey," Ko said. "As for Kim [the Korean winner], she really played well today, as she had the whole week. She's really in top shape, as is the whole Korean team."

Chantelle Cassidy of Tokoroa again had the other counting score with a three over 75 while Emily Perry (Lochiel) carded the non-counting seven over par 79.

The premier women's amateur team tournament, in Singapore for the first time since 1983, will be held in Taiwan next year.