
Kuala Lumpur: World number one Yani Tseng is aiming to go one better this year when she returns alongside the top names of women’s golf for the third edition of Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.
Tseng, who finished one stroke behind reigning champion Na Yeon-choi, has confirmed her participation alongside 14-time LPGA winner Cristie Kerr and 2011 US Women’s Open champion Paula Creamer for the US$1.9 million LPGA event set to be held at the East Course of Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club from October 11 – 14.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club. I finished one shot behind Na Yeon [Choi] last year after a pretty tense fourth round so will see what I can do this year. It’ll be good to be back playing in Asia – the fans are great and can usually rely on some good support in Malaysia,” said Tseng.
Former world number one Kerr who has endured a quiet season in 2012 with only three top-10 finishes is looking forward to returning to Kuala Lumpur. “I played the Sime Darby LPGA the last two years and it’s a tournament and course I like. It’s going to be a strong field again but that’s what we play for and I’ll be giving it my best shot so look forward to getting out there in October,” she said.
Her compatriot Creamer, the 2012 US Women’s Open winner is keen on building on her tied ninth finish last year. “I was a top 10 finisher last year and will be hoping to win it this year! It’s a great golf course and an event which I always look forward to playing. I love coming to Malaysia!,” said Creamer, who is affectionately called the Pink Panther for her all pink-attire.
Speaking on behalf of the promoters IMG, Robbie Henchman, senior vice president and co-managing director of IMG Golf added, “We pride ourselves on staging a first class championship event at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and are delighted that these internationally recognised players will be returning to the KLGCC in Malaysia this year,” shared Henchman.
“The quality of the field is testament to the hard work and investment that has gone into the tournament over the last three years from our principle sponsor Sime Darby, the LPGA Tour and our other partners. It will be a fantastic event and I encourage people to come and witness the world’s top players in action.”
The field will be made up of 62 stars from the LPGA Tour and 10 sponsor invites – including four players from the local and regional qualifier events which will take place on September 4 -5.