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LAGT announce Asia Miles Binhai Ladies Open

The Ladies Asian Golf Tour has reached a new milestone with the announcement of a new tournament - the US$230,000 "Asia Miles Binhai Ladies Open" in Shanghai.

The tournament, which will be played from March 21-23, 2007 at Binhai Golf Club in Shanghai, will be jointly sponsored by Asia Miles and Binhai Golf Club and will be tri-sanctioned by the Ladies Asian Golf Tour, China Golf Association (CGA) and the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA).

Interestingly, the US$230,000 prize purse makes the Asia Miles Binhai Ladies Open the richest tournament on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT). Winner of the event will also bring home 150,000 Asia Miles.

Wang Guofeng, President of Binhai Golf Club said the groundbreaking announcement will further propel The Asia Miles Binhai Ladies Open into one of the world's top events.

"I have no doubt that it will take on the premier position as the Major of Asia. On behalf of Binhai Golf Club, I would like to welcome Asia Miles who are joining us as title sponsor." He continued, "We are confident that Binhai's links-style course will pose an exciting challenge to the professionals of the Ladies Asian Golf Tour."

Dominic Purvis, General Manager, Asia Miles said, "Asia Miles is proud to be the title sponsor of the Binhai Ladies Open, where the most talented female players throughout Asia compete for fame and honour in one of Asia's highest prize-money ladies golf tournaments. Shanghai is fast becoming China's hub for international sporting events, and Asia Miles' involvement in the tournament clearly demonstrates our commitment to the market."

"We wish all players of the Asia Miles Binhai Ladies Open the best of luck in this exciting tournament," continued Purvis."

Aylwin Tai, Chief Executive LAGT expressed the Tour's sincere appreciation to Asia Miles' Dominic Purvis and Binhai Golf Club's Wang Guofeng as the duo have been such great friends to LAGT and staunch supporters of ladies golf.

"We are very proud to announce the Asia Miles Binhai Ladies Open. The tournament will not only enhance the quality of the Ladies Asian Golf Tour but will enable more top ranked players from the world to participate in Asia," said Aylwin Tai.

He continued: "It also proves the strong commitment from sponsors and the growing popularity of the Tour among the lady professionals, many of whom are members of the leading Tours of the world. I am confident that Chinese golf enthusiasts will be treated to world-class action at Binhai Golf Club."

Tai said the first ever tri-sanction event demonstrates the LAGT's commitment to cooperating with other golf Tours. The Asia Miles Binhai Ladies Open will attract a strong field of approximately 132 players with 40 golfers from the China Golf Association, 40 from the Korean LPGA, 40 from the LAGT and 12 from sponsors' invitation.

Wang Yanmei, Director of Management & administration Department said the association loved to see more high-caliber ladies competitions in China which will enhance the development of ladies golf in the Country.

The Winner of Asia Miles Binhai Ladies Open will be granted a two-year (07', 08') exemption to play on the KLPGA Tour. In addition, players who make a hole-in-one on the 2nd hole during the tournament will win the "Asia Miles hole-in-one Competition" entitling them to share a bonus of 300,000 Asia Miles.

December 4, 2006