Ariya on Forbes’ ‘30 under 30’ Asia list
Thailand’s No 1 Ariya Jutanugarn has been named in Forbes’ list of “30 under 30 Asia” – young stars who pushed boundaries and made a difference in entertainment and sports in 2016.
Forbes cited the 21-year-old former world No 2 for making history by becoming the first Thai to win a Major with her victory at the British Women’s Open last year. Ariya also became the first Thai player to lift an LPGA trophy in the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic in May 2016. She went on to win two more titles – the Kingsmill and LPGA Volvik Championships – becoming first player in the history to win her first three titles back to back. She wrapped up her season by winning the LPGA Player of the Year award, which came with over US$3 million in prize money.
Other Asian athletes on Forbes’ list include Rio Games men’s badminton gold medallist Chen Long of China, Rio 100m butterfly winner Joseph Schooling and 2016 World Rugby Player of the year Beauden Barrett of New Zealand. – The Nation
