Golf: Ko the sole Kiwi remaining

Lydia Ko of North Shore tees off. Photo / Getty Images

World No 1 Lydia Ko is the only New Zealand golfer to progress to the second round of the women's Australian Amateur in Melbourne.

The 14-year-old North Shore golfer, who was the second seed after two rounds of qualifying, managed a 5 and 3 win over Victorian Jacinta Brideson at the Woodlands Golf Club yesterday. Ko will face 18th seed Cathleen Santoso this morning.

World No 3 Cecilia Cho was soundly beaten by 31st seed Montana Strauss 5 and 3 and Wellington No 1 Julianne Alvarez was defeated by Japan's Kotone Hori 2 and 1.

Emily Perry, the 21st seed, was unceremoniously knocked out by Victorian Su-Hyun Oh by 7 and 5 and Waikato's Chantelle Cassidy was beaten by eighth seed Grace Lennon 2up to finish off a disappointing opening round for the Kiwis.