KirkwoodGolf

Thursday, March 08, 2007

CLARE QUEEN LETS IT SLIP BUT SHE'S
STILL JOINT 14TH IN S AFRICA OPEN

Drumpellier's Clare Queen was only two shots off the lead with nine holes to play in the first round of the Women's South African Open - but the Scot slipped from three under par to a 73 and a share of 14th place at the Durban Country Club.
At the turn Miss Queen was on the tail of leader Morgana Robbertze from South Africa who had finished with a five-under-par 68 for a course lengthened to a par 73 for this event.
But Clare could not maintain her three-under-par status after the turn and three bogeys brought her back to level par.
A disappointing start in one way but, on the other hand, to be in the top 14 or so after one round is further evidence that the former British girls and women's stroke-play amateur champion is a much improved player this year.
Defending champion Rebecca Hudson from Doncaster is sharing fifth place on 71.
LEADING FIRST ROUND SCORES
Par 73
Players from South Africa unless stated
68 Morgana Robbertze.
69 Tania Elosegui (Spa), Ashleigh Simon (am).
70 Antonella Cvitan (Swe).
71 Rebecca Hudson (Eng), Hanna-Sophia Svenningson (Swe).
72 Mandy Adamson, Maria Boden (Swe), Stacy Brefman, Michelle De Vries, Cecilie Lundgreen (Nor), Amanda Moltke-Leth (Den), Kalii Shean (am).
73 Lisa Jean (Aus), Laurette Maritz, Clare Queen (Sco), Margherita Rigon (Ita), Frederique Seeholzer (Swi), Bertina Strauss (am), Tandi Von Ruben (am).
Other scores:
74 Sarah Heath (Eng), Sophie Walker (Eng).
75 Jo Clingan (Eng), Kristy Fisher (Eng), Felicity Johnson (Eng).
76 Claire Coughlan (Ire), Eleanor Pilgrim (Wal).
77 Shelley McKevitt (Eng), Michelle Smith (Eng).
78 Vanessa Bell (Eng), Martina Gillen (Ire).
79 Sarah Faller (Ire).
80 Cheryl Smith (Eng).
82 Helen Batt (Eng).