World No.9 Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand is set to lend her star power to the second edition of the Simone Asia Pacific Cup in Indonesia from Dec 21-23, alongside Princess Mary Superal of the Philippines, who returns to defend her individual title.
The 20-year-old Atthaya ranks highest among the 58 participants in the event hosted by the Asian Golf Leaders Forum (AGLF), all vying for a prize money of US$750,000 at the Pondok Indah Golf Course in Jakarta.
A thrilling battle is on the cards as these players not only compete for individual glory but also vie for their country's honour through the team event, with the Simone Asia Pacific Cup bringing together 29 teams from 13 Asia-Pacific golf associations, including contenders such as South Korea, Japan and Thailand.
The tournament employs a 54-hole stroke play format, with US$500,000 allocated for the individual contest and an additional US$250,000 up for grabs in the team competition.
Two-time LPGA Tour winner Atthaya will certainly be the one to look out for.
The Ratchaburi native finished fifth at the LPGA Tour's season-ending Tour Championship on Sunday and claimed the Vare Trophy for the year's lowest scoring average.
The Thais certainly mean business as they field formidable combinations in their bid to dethrone South Korea in the team competition.
Atthaya will join forces with Jaravee Boonchant, who will be making her second Simone Asia Pacific Cup appearance.
Chanettee Wannasaen, who sensationally clinched the LPGA Tour's Portland Classic in September, will team up with Natthakritta Vongtaveelap, the Hanoi SEA Games doubles gold medallist.
The Koreans secured victory in the inaugural edition last year through Ryu So-Yeon and Lee Bo-Mee.
Superal will be looking forward to returning to the scene where she claimed the biggest win of her professional career in grand fashion.
She finished the tournament with a 12-under-par total, beating major winners Ryu and New Zealand's Lydia Ko by three and four shots, respectively.
This time, Superal is back with a dual mission for Team Philippines -- not only to defend her individual crown but also to vie for team honours, following last year's second-place finish with Pauline Del Rosario.
Teaming up with Princess this year is Bianca Pagdanganan.