JOHN Bickerton's hopes of a high finish in the New Zealand Open took a dive today when he could manage only a second round one-under-par 71 in Auckland.

This left the Droitwich Golf Club member in joint 65th position -- 12 shots behind Swedish leader Niclas Fasth.

Bickerton had been in contention after a first round three-under-par 69, but the Worcestershire professional failed to match some of the low scoring of the leading contenders at the Gulf Harbour club.