World number one Lorena Ochoa of Mexico (AFP)
The world's top 15 golfers have confirmed they will play at the inaugural HSBC Women's Champions tournament in Singapore this month, the best field ever assembled in Asia.
The event is the richest women's tournament in the region with two million dollars in prizemoney and is headlined by world number one Lorena Ochoa, World Golf Hall of Famer Se Ri Pak and Annika Sorenstam.
Joining them will be last month's Australian Open winner Karrie Webb, Korean superstar Ji Yai Shin, and LPGA 2007 Rookie of the Year Angela Park.
Only winners on the LPGA Tour, and leading money winners from the Ladies European Tour and tours in Japan, Korea, Australasia and Asia are eligible.
Dubbed 'Asias major', it will be played at Tanah Merah Country Club from February 28 to March 2.
One player eager to lay her hands on her first title is Park, the Brazilian sensation born to Korean parents.
"I had a fantastic rookie season and I want to build on that achievement and join my peers on the list of LPGA winners and work towards becoming a true champion in the sport," she said.
"The HSBC Womens Champions is going to be a tough event with so many top players competing. I will give it my best and in four days of stroke play, anything can happen so its going to be very exciting."
The four-day stroke play event mirrors the mens competition in Shanghai, which was won last year by world number two Phil Mickelson.
The American called the men's tournament one of the most coveted events of the year and said he expected the women's one to match that.
"I am delighted to hear that HSBC are investing in a Womens Champions event and I feel sure it will establish itself as quickly as the men's event has amongst the top players," he said.
"I look forward to hearing who will be crowned the women's Champion of Champions."
© 2008 AFP/sid
