New Zealand golfers were equal sixth after the first round of the Queen Sirikit Cup for the Asia Pacific women's teams championship in Thailand.
The teen trio were led by national amateur champion Sarah Nicholson, who fired a two-over 74 to lead them to a six-over 150 for the two
best counting scores at the Green Valley Country Club near Bangkok.
They battled oppressive humidity to be seven shots behind joint leaders Chinese Taipei and Japan after the first of three rounds.
Hosts Thailand, who have never won the tournament, were in a share of third place with Australia, one shot from the leaders.
Singapore are fifth on 148, with New Zealand sharing sixth with Korea a further two shots back.
Chinese Taipei were led by a superb seven-under 65 from Tseng Ya-Ni. Australia's effort was held together with a 67 from New South Wales player Nikki Garrett.
Nicholson, 19, of Wellington, mixed two bogies and two birdies in a strong round before a double bogey at the 17th dented a strong start.
North Harbour's Sharon Ahn, 15, struggled with six bogies, but fought back well, including a birdie at the last for a 76. Aucklander Natasha Krishna, 16, had a non-counting 79 after she dropped five shots in the final four holes.
- NZPA
