Singapore: Pang Runzhi returns to familiar ground this week as she seeks to mount a successful title defence at the Moutai Singapore Ladies Masters at Laguna National Golf Resort Club.

The 19-year-old Chinese captured the title by a single shot over compatriot Cai Danlin in the last edition of the tournament in 2024 before adding a second China LPGA Tour victory at the Women’s China Open.

Pang has continued her impressive rise this season, notching three top-10 finishes in six starts, and has arrived in Singapore hoping to once again contend for the title over Laguna National’s Masters Course.

She said: “Singapore holds special memories for me because winning here was an important milestone in my career.

“Coming back as the defending champion is exciting, but I’m focusing on playing my own game and staying patient. The field is very strong, and I know I’ll need to perform well over all three rounds. Hopefully, I can give myself another chance on Sunday,” added the teenager.

Following a standout performance at last year’s World Amateur Team Championship (WATC) in Singapore, newly-turned professional Xu Ying is expected to be among the leading contenders.

Xu enjoyed a dream start to life in the paid ranks when she captured the Fila Beijing Women’s Classic in just her second professional start this season.

She said: “Turning professional has been a big adjustment, but it’s also been a rewarding experience.

“I have great memories of Singapore from the WATC and I’m looking forward to competing here again. Winning early in my professional career has given me confidence, and I hope to continue building momentum this week.”

Another player to watch is Thailand’s Kornkamol Sukaree, who is enjoying her rookie season on the China LPG Tour, with a tied-30th finish at the Tianjin Women’s Open since earning her card through the Tour’s qualifying school in January.

The 26-year-old has shown encouraging signs in her debut season and will be looking to make further strides against an international field. She said: “Every tournament is an opportunity to learn and improve. I’m gaining valuable experience in my first year on Tour, and I want to keep challenging myself against strong players. Singapore is always a great place to compete and I’m excited for the week ahead.”

The local challenge will be led by Singapore national golfer Anne Fernandez, who enjoyed a productive sophomore season with Auburn University in the NCAA Division I circuit.

The 20-year-old will be joined by fellow Singaporean Athena Ni of Washington State University, as well as rising talents Guo Junxi, who is bound for Boston College, and Tatiana Ang, who will attend Boston University.

Fernandez is hoping home support can inspire a strong performance against the international field.

She said: “It’s always special to compete at home and represent Singapore. Whenever we get the opportunity to play in front of local fans, it will always be a good experience. The standard of competition will be very high, but I hope to put together a good performance and make Singapore proud.”

Sanctioned by the China LPG Tour, the Moutai Singapore Ladies Masters has increased its prize purse to US$120,000 this year.

*Laguna National Golf Resort Club is a member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.