Shenzhen, China: The 2025 Aramco China Championship tees-off tomorrow at the Mission Hills Resort, marking the season finale of the Ladies European Tour’s PIF Global Series, following previous stops in Riyadh, Seoul, London, and Houston.

With a total prize purse of US$2 million, the tournament will feature leading LPGA Tour players including Yin Ruoning, He Muni, Alison Lee and Liu Ruixin. The field also includes emerging Chinese talents from the amateur ranks such as Zhou Shiyuan, Liu Yujie, Ren Yijia and Li Menghan.

But in the build up to the event, it’s been 16-year-old Xu Ying who has attracted the most attention, evidenced by her appearance alongside former world number one Yin and LPGA Tour player He at today’s pre-tournament press conference.

Having won two CLPG Tour titles as an amateur, she secured a third success shortly after turning professional last month. Prior to that, in her last event before joining the pro ranks, Xu was the low individual at the World Amateur Team Championship for the Espirito Santo Trophy in Singapore.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to play in such a major event,” said Xu of the challenge she faces at Mission Hills. “I believe this week will leave me with wonderful memories. As a newcomer, I hope to stay patient and play well in every round.”

For her part, Yin is pleased to be back at a venue where she placed ninth last year and enjoys.

“I’m very happy to be playing in the Aramco China Championship. I competed here last year and felt the course really suited me. Recently, I’ve been feeling better about my form. This week, I hope to perform well and achieve a good result,” said former world number one Yin.

This year’s event will feature 104 players from 31 countries and regions competing in a 54-hole individual stroke play format. Simultaneously, 26 four-player teams will contest a 36-hole team stroke play competition. After 36 holes, the top 60 players (including ties) will advance and share US$1.5 million in prize money. The team competition offers US$500,000 in prize money.

Yin, who will team up with her childhood friend Zhang Jingwen, said: “Coming back here this year, I want to play with a good friend, so I chose someone I’ve known since I was little. I hope we can play well together.”

He Muni, who will team up with fellow LPGA Tour player Alison Lee this week, is returning to Mission Hills for the second year in a row. Last year, she tied for 10th with rounds of 71-70-68. “I practiced and competed at Mission Hills when I was very young. Every time I come back, it feels like coming home. The fans are incredibly enthusiastic, which gives me a lot of motivation. I’m happy with my result last year and hope for another good performance this year.”

The Aramco China Championship is the fifth and final stop of the 2025 series.