Ko wins New Zealand Women's Open

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP)

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Stacy Lewis is defending Player of the Year, so she's one of the LPGA Tour players to watch in 2013.

Top-ranked amateur Lydia Ko won the New Zealand Women's Open on Sunday for her third victory in a professional tournament.

In an outstanding 13-month spell, Ko has now won the New South Wales Open to become the youngest player, male or female, to win a professional event, the Canadian Open to become the youngest winner on the LPGA Tour, and now a professional tournament at home.

''It was a pretty good day out there, and I'm pretty excited to have my name on this trophy,'' she said. ''I didn't cry at the Canadian Open, so I've got no idea why I cried here. I guess it meant more.

''It's our national open, so to win it means a lot. I'm not the sort of person who shows expression or feelings that much but I guess I did here.''

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The 15-year-old Korean-born New Zealander approached the last hole in a tie for the lead with American Amelia Lewis at 10 under par. But Lewis, in the penultimate group, three-putted from 25 feet for bogey and Ko, playing in the last group, made par to complete a final-round 68.

Ko finished at 206 for the three-round tournament at Clearwater Golf Club. Lewis finished with a 6-under 66 for a 207 for the tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the European and Australasian women's tours.

Cheyenne Woods, the niece of Tiger Woods, finished in a tie for 25th at 3 under. Former world No. 1 Laura Davies was 51st.