Wright claims narrow win in New Zealand

Christchurch, New Zealand – Australian Lindsey Wright carded under 68 Sunday to earn a one-stroke win at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women's Open.

Wright, who was one of six players tied for the lead after 36 holes, finished the three-day event at Pegasus Golf Club at 10-under-par 206.

Another Australian, Jessica Speechley, fired a seven-under 65 to share second place with American Alison Walshe (69) at minus-nine.

Lorie Kane and Stephanie Na both shot three-under 69 in the final round to end in a tie for fourth at eight-under-par 208.

Wright bogeyed the first, but erased that error with a birdie on the third. After a birdie on the fifth, she poured in three straight birdie efforts from the seventh to make the turn at 10-under.

The 32-year-old stumbled to a double-bogey on the par-four 13th. Wright got those strokes back with birdies on 14 and 18 to earn the win.

Wright and Walshe were the only two second-round leaders to break par in the final round.

Haeji Kang shot even-par 72 to share sixth at minus-six. Carlota Ciganda was one shot back at five-under-par 211 after a 73, while amateur Lydia Ko and Mariajo Uribe both carded 74s to share 17th at minus-four.

The 14-year-old Ko won the New South Wales Open three weeks ago to become the youngest ever winner of a professional event, male or female.