Ko makes blistering start in Australia

Teenage sensation Lydia Ko shot a blistering 10-under 63 to take the outright lead after the first round of the Australian Women’s Open. Ko, who won the New Zealand Women’s Open at the weekend, continued her impressive form with a remarkable round that included an eagle, 11 birdies and three bogeys at the Royal Canberra Golf Club.
The 15-year-old amateur said it was her best performance since carding an eight under on her way to winning the New South Wales Open last year.
Ko said she was anxious to play alongside world number one Yani Tseng and Michelle Wie, but settled quickly despite opening with a bogey on the 10th hole. “At the 10th I thought what is today [Thursday] going to be like, and after a few birdies, I kind of settled in and I felt pretty comfortable,” the New Zealander said. “I was pretty nervous when I saw the draw that I was playing with two of the big names. “But Yani and Michelle, we had a few good conversations so I think that made it more enjoyable.” Colombia’s Mariajo Uribe was a stroke behind in outright second, followed by Jiyai Shin of South Korea at eight under. Japan’s Ayako Uehara, Canadian Rebecca Lee-Bentham and South Korea’s Lee Mi-hyang Lee were tied for fourth at seven under, one shot ahead of Italian Giulia Sergas.
Arnond’s notes key to success in Myanmar Open: Arnond Vongvanij will refer to valuable notes kept safely on his mobile phone when he challenges at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine next week. The Thai rising star enjoyed a solid rookie season in 2012 highlighted by one victory and he revealed that the highs and lows of the year, including a tied fourth finish in last year’s Zaykabar Myanmar Open was well documented in his phone.
“I take notes after every tournament on my phone to remind myself what I learned from each tournament. That helps me from week to week. Most of the knowledge that I get is when I’m not playing good and trying to figure out how to make the cut when you’re not playing well. When you’re playing well, everything is easy,” said Arnond.
The slightly built Thai is strongly tipped to excel in the new 2013 Asian Tour season and he is determined to hold true to his mantra of staying patient at the US$300,000 Asian Tour event at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club from February 21 to 24.