DLF WOMEN'S INDIAN OPEN RELATED STORIES DLF Women's Indian Open home page DLF Women's Indian Open Preview Round 1: Teenage amateur Meghna Bal takes lead by two Round 2: Tseng Ya Ni hits the front Round 3: Ya Ni takes first pro win in playoff Final Scores & Prize Money Current LAGT Order of Merit Kiran Matharu to play DLF Women's Indian Open India's Irina Brar has her sights set high WGAI launch historic DLF Women's Indian Open ASIAN GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Swedes sweep World Cup win Lin & Marksaeng near top 50 HK: Lin wins in 3-way playoff Asian Tour hits landmark 300 in HK Asian Tour releases 2009 schedule Report predicts 30% China golf growth GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Sweden win World Cup Internationals claim Lexus Cup Pampling wins in a playoff Choi wins Skins Game Amateur: EGU allow range finders

Asian girls aim to continue winning form

The Asian women professionals, though without last week's Thailand Ladies Open winner Shin Ji-yai of Korea, are bent on thwarting the Europeans and Americans' charge in the inaugural USD100,000 Women's India Open beginning tomorrow at the Arnold Palmer layout at DLF Golf & Country Club.

Current money list leader Libby Smith of USA who has pocketed US$16,008 thus far, and compatriots Katie Bakken and Stephanie Ruiz stand between the Asian stars in a bid to capture the title.

"I am already enjoying it in Asia in my first season on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour. I've won one and finished well in two other events and now hopes to spring back to my winning ways," said Smith.

Japan's Rie Shiraki who has been enjoying consistent form over the past two weeks is out to give Japan a first win on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour. With over 20 Japanese players on the starting list, Shiraki's hopes may also be shattered by her fellow professionals Mika Kimura and Rui Yokomine, the elder sister of Japan's No. 2 ranked professional Sakura Yokomine. For the record, Sakura partnered Ai Miyazato to capture the Women's World Cup two years ago.

"I have been patient in my quest for podium finish. My game is peaking and my form has been good. The DLF Golf & Country Club's course has a good mix of right and left dog-leg holes, water hazards and good greens," said Shiraki, who two weeks ago won the Guam Governor's Cup.

China's Wang Chun shares a similar feeling and wants to go on record to be the first Chinese player to win on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour. After finishing in sole fifth position in Bangkok last week, Wang Chun hopes the boost in confidence will spur her to an exciting week here.

"I need to get a good feel with the putter. Been putting in extra effort on this," she said.

India's Smitri Mehra and Kiran Matharu have added more spice for India's challnge, along with youngster Irina Brar. UK-based Kiran who plays on the Ladies European Tour is all excited on making a dream debut. "I do not wish to put a figure on how I am going to finish. Obviously, like anyone else winning is a challenge and I'd certainly like to win it here," she said.

Smitri has been given the honour of teeing off first at 8am together with Sofia Renell of Sweden and Japan Kyoko Namikawa.

However, despite all these, what is there to stop the Korean girls from chalking up another win to follow up Ji-Yai's runaway win in Bangkok last week.

March 13, 2007