World No 1 faces tricky task amid field of stars

The Taiwanese world No 1, who started last season with a hat-trick of wins in Australia, Thailand and Singapore, failed to keep her crown in Melbourne last week where she finished tied for eighth. In a bid to redeem lost pride in Thailand, she sought a spiritual boost at the Erawan Shrine after arriving in Bangkok.
“It’s great to be back. I went to visit the shrine again. It’s a routine I do every year. I pray and wish for a great year. I worked hard during the offseason and last week in Australia was a good warm up for me,’’ said the five-time Majorwinner who tees off with world No 3 Na Yeonchoi of South Korea today at 12.23pm.
Na skipped the season-opener last week in Australia to extend her offseason training in Florida. She launches her 2012 campaign in Pattaya, where she finished in 15th spot 12 months ago.
“She’s the most intimidating player in the field,” said Na, of her pairing with the defending champion. “She was No 1 last year and she is playing so well. We are good rivals. We will try to motivate each other – it will be fun.’’
Among the favourites to win this week is world No 2 Suzann Pettersen of Norway, winner of the 2007 edition held at the nearby Siam Country Club Pattaya Plantation Course.
“This is a course that I have always played well in the past. It’s hot, I love the layout, it’s in great shape, [but] the greens are fast, so I have to be a little bit careful,” said the Norwegian, who always draws support from her compatriots in Thailand.
But one of the biggest favourites with local fans is American Paula Creamer, who donated personal items including a pair of shoes, two caps, golf balls and a signed picture to a charity auction held last night. Creamer’s stuff raised Bt77,000 for flood relief, with other players’ donations bringing the total up to Bt458,000.
“It’s amazing that this country got back together so fast and so strong. We have no idea what happened four months ago. But it’s nice that there’s so much left here,’’ said the world No 5 who also trained in Florida during the break. Creamer missed the season-opener in Australia to attend the wedding of a close buddy.
“ It’s nice to have support from fans who only get to see us once a year. They are so supportive, which is something you don’t get everywhere,’’ said Creamer, whose best result here is a third place in 2009.
Hawaiian Michelle Wie is another big draw for fans in Pattaya. On her third visit to Thailand she is hoping to go one better than her runnersup spot here last year.
“I worked hard during the offseason and haven’t played for a long time – since Dubai. I’m excited about playing my first tournament of the year. I’ll try to shoot a low score every day, hole by hole,’’ said the world No 17.

Nontaya confident
The six-strong Thai contingent here is spearheaded by Pornanong Phutlum, the only local player to gain entry by virtue of rank. The Jutanugarn sisters, Moriya and Ariya, Numa Gulyanamitta, Nontaya Srisawang and Pinrath Loomboonruang have been awarded sponsor invites.
Fresh from victory last Friday in the Thailand Ladies Open at the Lakewood Country Club, her first win in seven years, Nontaya is hoping the momentum will carry through to the LPGA tournament, where she’s making her third appearance.
“I’m more confident coming here with a title,” said Nontaya from Chiang Mai. “But this is a different course and a different tournament. I want to finish in the top 10 but it won’t be that easy.’’