GOLF
Kono wins first match at publinx
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Advertiser Staff and News Services
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Stephanie Kono won her opening match while four other Hawai'i golfers, including Kimberly Kim, lost yesterday in the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links tournament at Erin Hills Golf Course in Erin, Wis.
Kono, a recent Punahou graduate, defeated Laura Luethke of Clovis, Calif., 5 and 3, in the round of 64. Kono never trailed in the match, finishing with a birdie to win No. 15.
Kim, a former Big Island resident who now lives in Arizona, lost to Brianna Do of Lakewood, Calif., 3 and 2.
Kim, runner-up in this event in 2006, never led in the match and was down by four after the 10th hole. She won No. 14 to cut Do's lead to 3 up, but they halved No. 16 to give Do the match.
Kayla Mortellaro of Phoenix defeated Pearl City's Mari Chun, 3 and 2, and Ha-Na Jang of Korea eliminated Kelly Nakashima of Wailuku, Maui, 2 and 1. Jennifer Song of Korea defeated Honolulu's Kristina Merkle, 1 up. Song won the 18th hole with a par, while Merkle bogeyed.
The second and third rounds of match play are today, quarterfinals and semifinals tomorrow, and the 36-hole final Saturday.
Information from www.uswapl.org was used in this report.