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Lydia Ko three back at New Zealand Women's Open

For the World No. 1, it was a ho-hum start at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women's Open, as Lydia Ko fired a 3-under 69 to begin her week in her country of nationality.

That was only one of six sub-70 rounds on Thursday at Clearwater Golf Club, and Ko is three back and in a tie for fifth through 18 holes.

The 18-year-old South Korean-born New Zealander is defending her national title this week and had some fireworks to show for it on Thursday. Ko posted five birdies (against two bogeys) on the day and she ended her round by holing a 20-foot birdie putt on the par-3 ninth.