Alker wins New Zealand PGA

WELLINGTON // New Zealand's Steven Alker shot a five-under 67 to grab a two-stroke victory over compatriots Josh Geary and David Smail at the New Zealand PGA championship in Christchurch today. The 37-year-old Alker completed the tournament at 15-under 273 in pristine conditions at the Clearwater golf club course. Geary also hit a five-under 67 while Smail closed with a 68 to tie for second, a stroke ahead of Australia's Michael Sim, Norway's Henrik Bjornstad and the American Ryan Hietala.

"This has come at a good time for me," Alker said. "To come here, play well and take a title is pretty special." The world No 1 amateur Danny Lee, who won the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth two weeks ago, made birdies on the final two holes to shoot a two-under 70 and tie for seventh on 277. He was the leading amateur in the tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the Australasian PGA Tour and the PGA's secondary Nationwide Tour.

* Reuters