Golf: Kiwi Lydia Ko misses cut for first time in 2021 at Hugel-Air Premia LA Open

Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko has stumbled for the first time this year, failing to make the cut at the Hugel-Air Premia LA Open in Los Angeles.

The 23-year-old couldn't recover from her nightmare opening round on Thursday, when she carded a seven-over par 78 - finishing 14 shots behind leader Jessica Korda.

Starting her second round in 134th, Ko improved on day two, shooting three-under par. But at four-over par total - two shots shy of the two-over cut-line to qualify for round three.

The result comes a week after Ko emphatically broke her three-year title drought at the Lotte Championship and marks the first time this year she's missed the cut at a tournament.

Through her five events this year, Ko has recorded three top-10 finishes, including two second-places and her triumph in Hawaii.

The world No.7 will try to get back on track at the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore, which starts April 30.

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