Feng heads group of Chinese challengers

LPGA Championship winner Feng Shanshan of China will spearhead a group of local stars to challenge some of the best golfers from the Korean LPGA at the Hyundai China Ladies Open from Dec 13-15, organizers said on Thursday.

As the final stop of the Chinese LPGA Tour, the China Ladies Open will offer record prize money of $400,000 at the Shizi Lake Golf Club in Qingyuan, Guangdong province.

The CLPGA and KLPGA co-sanctioned event will also attract the top 40 ranked players from South Korea, including KLPGA order of merit leader Jang Ha-na and two-time champion Kim Hyeyoun.

South Korean golfers have dominated the tournament since its debut in 2006, but the 24- year- old Feng, who won the season- ending LPGA Titleholders tournament in Florida last month to capture her third career tour crown, is expected to finally break the Koreans’ monopoly.

Feng is not alone, as rising young stars Li Jiayun and CLPGA champion Lin Xiyu are potential contenders for the title after a successful season on the CLPGA.

The China LPGA Tour tournament has been a good barometer for future success.

Former world No 1 Tseng Ya- ni from Chinese Taipei, South Korea’s Choi Na-yeon, 2012 British Open winner Shin Ji- yai and 2012 Evian Masters champion Park Inbee all competed at the event before rising to stardom on the LPGA Tour.