Strong performances put Ko and Tipple in contention for podium finishes

Lydia Ko is in a strong position heading into the fourth round of the LPGA's Founders Cup in Arizona.

The 21-year-old shot a five-under 67 for the third straight day to be tied in fourth place.

Ko is just four shots off the lead and says she’s playing well heading into the business end of the competition.

"If I tidy it up, and keep playing with confidence, I think it'll be a good thing," she said.

Rio 2016 Olympic shooter Chloe Tipple is also in medal contention following the first day of action at the World Cup in Acapulco, Mexico.

The 27-year-old recorded scores of 25, 23 and 25 for a total of 73 out of a possible 75 in qualifying, to be ranked second going into the second and final day of competition.

Meanwhile China stunned the Black Sticks Women 5-3 in an exciting Pro League match at Wujin Hockey Stadium in China.

China played with an attacking flair and a steely defence that proved too much for the New Zealanders.

“China are a skillful solid team and tonight our mistakes hurt us. In the last quarter we started to apply some pressure, and were able to get back into the game, unfortunately it came to late in the match,” said Black Sticks Coach Sean Dancer.

At last weeks Sir Graeme Douglas International Track Challenge shotputter Maddison-Lee Wesche threw a huge PB to qualify for the 2019 World Championships.

The 19-year-old therw 18.32m, far surpassing her previous PB of 17.10m and taking her over the 2019 World Championships qualifying mark of 18m.

 At the Sydney Surf Pro Tokyo 2020 hopeful Ricardo Christie was knocked out in round 5 despite a solid performance.

Christie looked comfortable and lead for most of the heat but opponent Jadson Andre from Brazil posted a solid score with seconds to spare in the heat as he pipped the Mahia local for the win.

Christie and fellow Kiwi Paige Hareb will next compete on the first stop of the 2019 Championship Tour at the Gold Coast Pro on April 3.