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Pornanong hoping for repeat - and a cheque

Shortly over a year ago, Pornanong Phatlum was teary-eyed after winning the Hong Kong Ladies Masters at the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course.

To most people, it was tears of joy, but sadly it was not for Pornanong, as she could not receive the US$12,000 winner's cheque because she was an amateur. Then only 16 and the youngest in the field, it would have been a bonanza for Pornanong if she were a professional. The prize money was eventually shared between joint-second place winners Zhong Xiaolong of China and Russamme Gulyanamitta of Thailand.

Now, a year later, Pornanong returns to the Hong Kong Ladies Masters, this time with professional status, and eager to take what she lost last year. The three-round event starts tomorrow at the scenic Discovery Bay Golf Club.

When asked if she was on a mission to win again. Pornanong said: "To me the past is history. I don't like to be reminded of it. Off course winning the title again this year will be more meaningful to me and this time being able to receive the winners cheque."

The field for this week looks pretty strong. "I had a practice round yesterday. The fairways are very forgiving but the greens are a little slower. More importantly, my level play is getting better."

While Pornanong has a mission to accomplish, China's Zhang Na is keen to get on a winning act. The 25-year Zhang Na who heads east to play in Japan's Step-Up Tour this year, wants her name etched in the winner's trophy.

"There has been a lot of publicity about me – in China and also out of China. I believe it's time to get into the winning act. I need a win to boost my confidence. I have been training hard, but somehow my game gets a little untidy when I play in a tournament. I need to break this jinx," she said.

Last week's Macau Ladies Open winner Natalie Tucker of USA could once again be the silent performer at Discovery Bay.

Natalie seemed more interested in talking about the place rather than her gameplan for this week. "I don't want to put pressure on myself. I rather let my clubs do the talking. But I like it here. It's a good golf course and it's for certain, I'm going to enjoy it here this week," she said.

Thailand's Chutichai Porani, who two weeks ago won the Taiwan Ladies Open, is also in a winning mood. The 21-year-old Porani had a freak accident, when one of her fingers got struck between the doors in Macau last week. It hurt so much that she failed to make the cut.

"It was my index finger. It feels good now. I'm now able to strike the ball well without feeling any pain," she said, adding that her LAGT campaign begins in Discovery Bay.

January 30, 2007