Feb 01, 2018: China’s Shanshan Feng will spearhead an all-star field at next month’s HSBC Women’s World Championship, as the world number one sets her sights on claiming a maiden victory at the prestigious tournament.
Feng rose to the top of the standings following a fine run of form at the end of 2017 that saw her clinch back-to-back victories in China and Japan in November, following a second-place finish in Malaysia in October. The affable 28-year old will be hoping a return to her happy hunting grounds in Asia will enable her to lift a trophy that has eluded her in the ten years she has been playing on the LPGA Tour.
With all of the world’s top-ten ranked players confirming their participation in the tournament, that will be no easy feat. Recognised for fielding one of the most competitive fields in the LPGA Tour calendar, the 2018 edition of the HSBC Women’s World Championship looks set to live up to its new championship status.
In addition to defending champion Inbee Park and the quintet of 2017 major winners already announced, the New Tanjong course is set to feature the likes of U.S.A.’s Lexi Thompson, South Korean In Gee Chun, and three former world number ones in Ariya Jutanugarn (Thailand), Cristie Kerr (U.S.A.), and Lydia Ko (New Zealand), in what is shaping up to be one of the true spectacles in the tournament’s stellar 10-year history.
Speaking about her chances in this year’s edition of the HSBC Women’s World Championship, which takes place from 1 – 4 March at the Sentosa Golf Club, Feng said:
“I had a great end to 2017 and then took a bit of time off to rest and I’m now raring to go again. It was good to get back out on course again last week in the Bahamas and I’m really looking forward to playing back in Asia. That’s where I feel most at home and I guess it’s no surprise that that’s where I play my best golf.
“The HSBC Women’s World Championship is one of the top events we get to play in every year. It’s always super-competitive and you need to be at the top of your game to win it. Hopefully I can bring my best game this year2018 will be the year I win it!” said Feng.
Another player who knows something about winning is 20-time tour winner, Cristie Kerr. The American muscled her way back into the top ten in 2017, with 10 top-ten finishes, including wins at the LOTTE Championship and Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, proving that at 40 years of age, she still has what it takes to compete at the very top of the game.
“I’m looking forward to coming back to Singapore to compete in the HSBC Women’s World Championship. 2017 was a great year for me and I’m looking forward to carrying that momentum into this season. Singapore’s always tough though. The conditions are challenging and it’s always a very strong field, but I’m looking forward to getting back out there and giving it my best shot”, said Kerr.
Matching the all-star cast will be four days of unmissable entertainment off the course, with the festival concept again underpinning the tournament’s reputation as one of the most fun events on the LPGA schedule. The popular Saturday Music Festival will again return, with popular Korean Pop Group MONSTA X confirmed as the headling act, in what promises to be an entertaining spectacle leading up to the final day of golfing action.
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