KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champion Jessica Korda will have her work cut out for her this October as she seeks to retain her Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia title against a caliber-filled field, led by the top ten golfers on the LPGA’s Money List.

With world number one and 2016 Rolex Annika Major Award winner Lydia Ko of New Zealand and third-ranked Canadian teenager Brooke Henderson having thrown their names into the hat previously, it was only time before Ariya Jutanugarn announced her confirmation for the US$1.8 million event.

The Thai powerhouse has enjoyed a rapid rise to fame this season, securing five wins and remarkable tournament winnings of over US$2 million to date.

The world number two will have fond memories of TPC Kuala Lumpur, having made an impressive debut in 2012, finishing in a highly impressive joint ninth to pick-up the best amateur prize.

“I’m really excited about returning to Kuala Lumpur for the tournament. I’ve always enjoyed playing here since I first played here back in 2012. It’s been a great year for me so far and I’m feeling good at the moment, so I’m looking forward to improving on last year’s result,” said Jutanugarn.

Alongside Ko, Jutanugarn, and Henderson, notable names in the line-up this year include Korean trio Sei Young Kim, In Gee Chun – fresh from winning the season’s final Major at the Evian Championship and Amy Yang as well as Anna Nordqvist, Brittany Lang, Haru Nomura and newly-married Stacy Lewis.

Joining them in Kuala Lumpur this year will be fan favourites Michelle Wie and Cheyenne Woods, who have been extended sponsor invitations.

Former US Women’s Open winner Wie has endured a difficult year so far, but will be seeking to regain her Major winning form of 2014.

The 26-year-old noted: “Thank you very much to the sponsors for inviting me back again for the tournament. The tournament has always been a well-organised and great event and I really enjoyed myself last year, so I think it’s fantastic that I get to be part of it again this year.”

A field of 78 players, made up of 64 players from the LPGA Tour and 14 sponsor exemptions will compete in the 72-hole stroke play, no cut tournament from October 27-30.