Golf: NZ golfers keep their nerve

New Zealand survived a mid-round crisis at the Christchurch Golf Club yesterday to beat Canada 6 1/2-2 1/2 in the first round of the Four Nations Trophy.

Needing to win only two of the six singles thanks to a 3-0 sweep of the morning foursomes, New Zealand were comfortably placed 4-2 after nine holes.

Ryan Vallely sparked the Canadian revival with four birdies between the eighth and 14th holes to score a 3 and 2 win over Chris Johns, the first New Zealander on the course.

Suddenly the Canadians closed the gap and went ahead 4-2.

James Davis fought back with two quick birdies to beat Matt Ion Young 1 up and Brad Shilton followed, beating Mike Mezei 3 and 1.

That gave New Zealand the necessary victories, and the bonuses followed with Mark Smith recovering from three down after 11 holes to halve with Lindsay Bernakevitch, Mathew Holton birdied the 16th to halve his match with Craig Doel, and Brad Iles birdied the 18th from three metres to halve with Lee Curry.

The Australians, who meet New Zealand tomorrow, were merciless in crushing Japan 8-1.

Tatsuya Sato birdied the 18th from inside a metre to beat Michael Sim one up for Japan's sole reward.

Today, Australia play Canada and New Zealand meet Japan.

- NZPA