Wright looking to win in New Zealand

Wright posted a second round of four-under par 68 to go with her opening round of 70 to share the lead with five other players including local superstar amateur Lydia Ko (69).

Columbian Mariajo Uribe (68), South Korean Haeji Kang (69) American Alison Walshe (70) and Spaniard Carlota Ciganda (69) are also at six-under par.

The 32-year old, who has had two average LPGA season by her own admission, is back in Christchurch to show her support to the local community after the devastation that occurred less than 24 hours after her left last year on 22 February.

“I really wanted to come back and show my support the local people, I love New Zealand and had such a great time in Christchurch last year”

“When I heard the news last year, it really affected me, I felt so bad for everyone here.”

“It would be very special win if I could do it” the former World No.12 stated.

The Victorians round included three birdies and an eagle on the par 4 6th and one lone bogey on the par 3 8th, which was her 17th hole of the day, after starting on the 10th tee.

This was how she described her eagle “It was career shot, I had a awkward stance in fairway bunker, one foot in and one out. I had 128 yards to the pin and I hit my 7-iron perfectly. I hit pure and watch it land and go in the hole, it was awesome”

Wright will have to contend with 26 players who are within four shots of the lead, including her co-leaders.

Wright will be looking to turn the tables on Uribe and Ko. She went two went head-to-head with Ko in the final round of the Bing Lee / Samsung Women’s Open three weeks ago and last year battled it out in the final round in an unofficial money event on the LPGA tour with Uribe, where Uribe came out on top.

Just one shot adrift is fellow Australians Julia Boland (68) and Stephanie Na (69), Americans Cindy LaCrosse (67) and Gerina Piller (71) and Canadian Lorie Kane (67). Americans Cara Freeman (70) and Danielle Kang (72) share 12th position at four-under par.

Another 13 players are sitting at either two or three under par and certainly not of the tournament.

Defending champion Kristie Smith (72) is a one-under par and shares 27th position. Smith came for five shots behind last year to win, so the talented player is still in with a chance.

The cut was made at three-over par and 58 players will tee it up to compete for their share of the Euro 200,000.