KEY POINTS:
New Zealand have lost 3-4 to Canada in their first match of the women's Five Nations Commonwealth golf tournament in South Africa yesterday.
The New Zealanders got off to a poor start in the morning at the Johannesburg Golf Club, losing both foursomes, and a 3-2 win in the singles in the afternoon was not enough to overhaul the Canadians.
The Bay of Plenty pair of Tammy Clelland and Penny Smith were beaten on the final hole by Maude Leblanc and Sue Kim, while the experienced Mary Ann Lapointe combined with Meaghan Leblanc to beat the New Zealand combination of Dasom Lee and Yeon Song Kim 5 and 4.
New Zealand bounced back with three tough wins in the middle of the order to Kim, Clelland and Lee, all decided on the 18th hole but debutant Larissa Eruera and No 1 Smith were beaten comfortably.
Canada were able to bounce back from their 7-0 whitewash on the opening day to Britain, who moved to the top of the table with a 4-3 win over Australia.
Britain are the only unbeaten team after two rounds, with Australia and Canada on one win each.
Hosts South Africa, who had the bye yesterday, and New Zealand, who had the bye on the opening day, have no wins.
New Zealand play Britain today.
- NZPA
