Seven Thais set for Singapore challenge
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Seven Thais set for Singapore challenge

Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit competes in an LPGA event last month. (Photo: AFP)
Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit competes in an LPGA event last month. (Photo: AFP)

Major winners Ariya Jutanugarn and Patty Tavatanakit will lead the Thai challenge at the HSBC Women's World Championship, which tees off in Singapore today.

The other five Thais are Moriya Jutanugarn, Pajaree Anannarukarn, Jasmine Suwannapura, Atthaya Thitikul and Wichanee Meechai.

Patty, 22, finished third in the tournament last year, just weeks after she won the ANA Inspiration, the year's first major event which has since become the Chevron Championship.

World No.13 Patty was joint fourth in her previous event at the Drive On Championship last month.

Ariya, 26, has won 12 times on the LPGA Tour, including two major championships.

The world No.29 was runner-up in 2017 and has had two other top-four finishes in Singapore.

Atthaya, who turned 19 last month, is Thailand's second-highest ranked player at No.20, behind No.13 Patty.

The LPGA rookie has played in two tournaments this year, finishing joint 45th and 11th.

In her only previous appearance at the Women's World Championship, Atthaya was tied for eighth and was the low amateur.

The 14th edition of the tournament at Sentosa Golf Club features world No.1 Ko Jin-Young, two-time winner Park In-Bee, defending champion Kim Hyo-Joo, Lydia Ko and Danielle Kang.

Ko Jing-Young of South Korea will play in her first tournament of the season after a three-month break.

"It was pretty short to me. I was back in Korea. I spent time with my family and friends and my dog as well. I didn't practise much over four or five weeks," she said.

South Korea's Kim struck an upbeat tone as she gears up to defend her title.

The 26-year-old is confident going into the competition.

"I feel I'm ready to play well this week. Before my victory last year, I was not feeling confident. But after winning the tournament, I could feel that my confidence was returning. I'm so happy to be back at this golf course, and I want to do well again."

New Zealand's Lydia Ko is in good form, having won her 17th LPGA title at Gainbridge LPGA last month.

"I play my best golf when I'm enjoying my time out there and being relaxed. Keeping that kind of mindset and just focusing on that one shot in front of me allows me to play the best golf I can," said Ko.

Park, 33, will be chasing her third win at the competition, having triumphed in 2015 and 2017. "The younger girls are hitting so much further than me now. It's the tough truth, and I have to accept it," she said. 

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