Larsen leads New Zealand Women's Open, Lydia Ko 3 behind (The Associated Press)

Yahoo! Sports | February 12, 2016

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Lydia Ko watches the flight of her ball from the first tee during the third round of the LPGA Coates Golf Championship at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, Feb. 5, 2016. (Bruce Ackerman/Star-Banner via AP) MAGS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) -- Top-ranked Lydia Ko shot a three-under 69 on Friday and was three shots off the lead and in a tie for fifth place after the first round of the New Zealand Women's Open.

The 18-year-old South Korean-born New Zealander, defending her national title, sank a 20-foot put on the 18th hole for the fifth birdie of an opening round which also included two bogeys and left her within reach of the lead held by Norway's Nicole Broch Larsen at Clearwater Golf Club.