Teenager Ko falters as Shin holds off Tseng

Published on 18/02/2013 00:00

Jyai Shin won the Women’s Australian Open by two shots as teen sensation Lydia Ko faltered in Canberra yesterday.

A one-under-par 72 in the final round was enough for the South Korean, who finished the four-round tournament at 
the Royal Canberra Golf Club at 18-under. World No 1 Yani Tseng made a late charge with a stunning seven-under 66, but ended up two shots adrift.

New Zealander Ko, 15, could only manage a three-over 76 to finish third at 14-under after being in contention throughout the tournament and level with Shin heading into the final day. The amateur, winner of the New Zealand Women’s Open last week, double-bogeyed the first hole and a five at the par-4 second left her playing catch-up.

Ko recovered with a pair of birdies at four and five but 
another three bogeys proved costly. “I’ve got a couple of years until I turn pro so I guess within that period hopefully I’ll be able to get a little bit better,” said Ko afterwards. “I always think putting is the biggest part of the game and also the psychology part, so those are the two things I wouldlike to build up,”

North Berwick’s Catriona 
Matthew finished tied for eighth at 11-under alongside Katherine Hull-Kirk, the best-placed home player, and two others.