Malixi slips to joint third

MANILA, Philippines —  Rianne Malixi flourished in an early backside start but faltered with shaky putting in the last 12 holes, ending up with a 72 to fall by four behind a steady Nika Ito halfway through the Australian Master of the Amateurs Championship at the Southern Golf Club in Braeside City in Melbourne Wednesday.

Counting her opening 70, Malixi pooled a 142, slipping to joint third with local ace Lion Higo, who carded a second straight 71, even as Ito held sway with a 70 for a 138 after the morning play.

The top 45 and ties after three rounds will advance to the final 18 holes with the winner to receive an invitation to the Webex Players Hunter Valley Championship, a full-sanctioned Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and WPGA Tour of Australasia event.