18 Feb 2011

Defending champion moves up at NZ Open

7:15 pm on 18 February 2011

The first round leader Giulia Sergas will be back on top of the leaderboard tomorrow on day three of the New Zealand Women's Open at the Pegasus Golf Club near Christchurch .

Sergas picked up three shots late in the day afrer being even par for most of her second round and is two clear of Australia's Kristie Smith, who matched the Italian's opening round with an eight under 64 .

Thirteen-year-old Lydia Ko is stil the best performed New Zealander -- her four under 68 has her six under for the tournament , four behind Sergas.

Ko's in top company in fourth, in a group that includes the defending champion Laura Davies.

Sweden's Linda Wessberg is third after equalling the course record of 63.