Uribe, Gulbis hold off Japanese golfers in Match Play Championship

Gladstone, New Jersey — Ai Miyazato and Mika Miyazato fell in the first round at the Sybase Match Play Championship on Thursday.

Columbia's Mariajo Uribe defeated fourth seed Ai Miyazato 2-up, while Mika Miyazato, the 23rd seed, fell 1-up to Natalie Gulbis of the United States, who is seeded 42nd.

Having trouble with both her shots and her putter, Ai Miyazato allowed Uribe to come from behind by winning four of the last five holes.

"Match play certainly has its attractions, but today I got the other side of the coin," Ai Miyazato said. "It's too bad that there is no tomorrow."

Unable to get good distance off the tee, Ai Miyazato couldn't match the big-hitting Uribe down the stretch.

"Now I have three extra days off," Ai Miyazato said. "I'll rest up and get ready for my next (competition)."

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