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Shanshan Feng believes great memories of her emphatic win in 2012 will drive her to more success when she returns to defend her title at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters to be held the under patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at Emirates Golf Club from December 1 to 7, 2013.
Making her debut in the season-ending Ladies European Tour event last year, the rising star from China lapped a strong field, winning the title by a staggering five shots from the Netherland’s Dewi Claire Schreefel.
Creating new milestones every step on the way, Feng posted a record winning total of 21-under par, beating the previous best of 18-under jointly held by Sweden’s Annika Sorenstam and In Kyung Kim of South Korea
The first golfer from mainland China to win a major title when she captured the LPGA Championship in June last year, Feng also flirted with another landmark, but fell short by one stroke in matching Sorenstam’s largest winning margin of six shots she recorded in the inaugural edition in 2006.
“This (Omega Dubai Ladies Masters) is like a major on the Ladies European Tour. I really enjoyed playing in Dubai last year, and winning it on my first visit made it even more special,” said Feng, a nailed-on favourite to follow in the footsteps of the great Sorenstam, the only two-time winner of the euro 500,000 (Dh2.37 million) event, promoted and organised by golf in DUBAi.
“Of course, it will be great fun to be back in Dubai, a city I like very much, and have an opportunity to win two in a row, but I will try not to think about it too much. They have such a strong field every year and anyone can win at any time,” said the world number seven, who is also a brand ambassador for Omega.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, commented: “We will be delighted to welcome our champion back next week. Her rising profile in the golfing world shows China is well on course to producing a healthy stable of competitive golfers.
“With China putting so much in the way of resources and energy into golf, I won’t be surprised if it becomes one of the strongest countries in golf in the near future.
“Shanshan’s presence will certainly add to the star power in the field and I am sure the fans will turn up in large numbers to watch her defence of the title. I wish her a pleasant stay in Dubai.”
golf in DUBAi’ is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and DUBAL as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Drydocks World & Maritime World, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Mercedes-Benz and wasl while Dubai Duty Free, Carpetland and Motivate are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
