Wright wins NZ Open with final-hole birdie

Lindsay Wright held her nerve to claim victory in the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open near Christchurch.

The Australian holed a four-metre birdie putt on the last to claim victory by a single stroke from compatriot Jessica Speechley and American Alison Walshe.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s still sinking in,” said Wright. “I putted really well all day and the last six holes I was really nervous.

“I haven’t been in this position for a while and I thought to myself ‘I can win this’.

“I looked at the leaderboard and saw Alison Walshe up there and Speechley at nine-under and thought ‘no, I can make this putt. Just keep your head down, just hit a great putt’. My caddy was more shocked that I was I think.”

Vikki Laing, the sole Scot to qualify for the final round, finished in a tie for 45th on 219 after a closing 74.

Rachel Jennings was the closest of the English challengers, finishing four shots off the pace in a tie for eighth after carding a 68 today.

Leading New Zealander was 17-year-old Cecilia Cho, the world No 3 ranked amateur, who shot a three-under 69 to finish on five-under.

She edged her good friend and rival Lydia Ko by one shot to bring the curtain down on her outstanding amateur career, as Cho returns to Korea to turn professional.