From left, Pornanong Phatlum, Inbee Park, Choi Na-yeon, World No 1 Yani Tseng and Stacy Lewis pose for a photo on the eve of the 2013 Honda LPGA Thailand, which tees off today.
Thai No 1 out to stamp dominance, but Tseng favourite
World No 1 Yani Tseng has her sights set on a hat-trick of titles at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course as she launches her title defence in the US$1.5-million Honda LPGA Thailand today.
The Taiwanese heavyweight has dominated at the par-72 6,469-yard layout for the last two years. She is now just a step away from becoming the 10th player to win an LPGA event for three straight years. The latest to achieve the feat was former world No 1 Lorena Ochoa in the Sybase Classic from 2006 to 2008.
"Hopefully I can be the 10th golfer! I will try my best because I love this course. It's pretty good for a long-hitter. You can go for the par 5s, and on some of the shallow greens you can stop the ball," said the Taiwanese, who beat Ai Miyazato by a stroke here 12 months ago.
The 24-year-old has finished world No 1 in the last two seasons and has won 15 LPGA titles including five majors. But after putting herself under pressure last year, she hopes to enter the new season with a new approach.
"Now, world No 1 doesn't mean as much to me as when I was chasing world No 1 [status]. I think now the most important thing for me is to enjoy golf more… Try not to think about results all the time, because last year I told myself, 'I don't' want to lose', instead of 'I want something.' So this year I just want to forget about that. I want to do the best I can and really forget about world No 1 and just smile out on the course. You always learn from other players, and they really are pushing me to be a better player," said the two-time defending champion who tees off this morning at 11.50 in a group of champions that includes 2007 victor Suzann Pettersen and 2010 winner Ai Miyazato.
Thai No 1 Pornanong Phatlum, ranked world No 71, has more reason than ever to produce her best result this week, after being outshone by younger compatriots in recent tournaments. Last week, 18-year-old Moriya Jutanugarn finished fourth in her pro debut at the LPGA season-opening Australian Open, where Thidapa Suwannapura (ninth) was also ahead of Pornanong.
"I'm even more pumped up to produce good results with these girls doing so well on the circuit. I think this is my time to finish strong in a tournament, especially this one because it's at home. I'd like to finally get a top-10 finish in an LPGA event," said Pornanong, who finished 14th here last year but has an LPGA best finish of 12th, in the Mobile Bay Classic in Alabama last April.
With her elder brother Pornprom caddying for her, Pornanong said she is more confident about this week, after last week saw her finish a distant 36th in Australia.
"In Canberra, the fairways were narrow and my putting didn't work. So my brother and I have focused on my putting over the past two days. The rough is higher and the greens are a bit tougher this year. But I think I'm more confident and physically stronger," said the Thai No 1, who has in fact won an LPGA event - in Rio de Janeiro last year - but it was an exhibition.
"Winning in Brazil gave me a good boost. I have played so many events and learned from many players, so I think I'm a better player this year," added Pornanong, who will enjoy special support this Saturday from her 83-year-old grandmother, who is coming all the way from Chaiyabhum, and bringing plenty of local delicacies with her.
"She always prepares food for us, like Isaan-style sausages and sticky rice. This year will be even more special as we have some 100 white-and-red T-shirts for my fans to wear over the weekend."
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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2013/02/21/pornanong-feeling-heat-of-new-stars/
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