Singapore, 18 February 2010 - For the first time in the event's history, the top twenty female golfers from the Rolex Women's World Golf Ranking will roll into town for the HSBC Women's Champions 2010 as part of the 63 player line up at Tanah Merah Country Club from 25-28 February.
Accentuating the unprecedented strength and quality of the field, all of the top 55 ranked players on the LPGA's Official Money List will be in Singapore to battle it out over four days of stroke play in a bid to win the Champion of Champions title and a share of the US$1.3million prize purse.
"The best of the best are coming to Singapore for the HSBC Women's Champions this year which sets the stage for an exciting tournament and a wonderful start to the 2010 season. This is the best line-up we will see in Asia and is testament to the importance the LPGA players give our event and the hospitality and support we offer to them in this part of the world." said Giles Morgan, HSBC Group Head of Sponsorship.
Along with the top two players in the world Lorena Ochoa (1) and Jiyai Shin (2), and the other stars already announced, other notable champions in the field to look out for include 2009 RICOH Women's British Open Catriona Matthew (16) and a host of Asian Champions including two-time winner on the 2009 LPGA season Na Yeon Choi (11), In-Kyung Kim (12)of Korea who claimed victory in the 2009 LPGA State Farm Classic and US Women's Open Champion Eun-Hee Ji (22).Matthew, who won the 2009 Ricoh Women's British Open only 11 weeks after giving birth to her second child said, "This will be my third trip to Singapore for the HSBC Women's Champions and I am very much looking forward to getting back on the Garden Course and kicking off the 2010 season with a strong performance. It was the last tournament I played before having a break to have my second baby and although I played pretty well considering I was five months pregnant, I was rather uncomfortable in the heat. This year I am feeling refreshed after the break and, after a very cold Scottish winter, I am really looking forward to seeing the sun in Singapore and unlike last year, relishing the chance to enjoy the hot weather. Playing in such a classy event hosted by HSBC in Asia is a great way to start the season. I believe every single one of the qualified players has taken up their place in the field and that certainly illustrates what a popular tournament this is among the world's best players."
Crowd favourites from the United States Cristina Kim and Natalie Gulbis will also be making a welcome return to the competition along with a large Japanese contingent. Alongside world number eight, Ai Miyazato; three other players from Japan sit inside the top 20 rankings, namely Sakura Yokomine (14), Shinobu Moromizato (17) and Chie Arimura (19).
Robbie Henchman, Senior Vice President of the tournament promoters IMG commented, "Singapore is gearing up to host the best field of female golfers ever witnessed on its shores, and arguably in the Asia Pacific, and along with title sponsor HSBC, we will ensure these champions will enjoy a wonderful tournament and the finest Asian hospitality while they are here. The mix of countries being represented in the top 20 alone shows the spread of professional women's golf across the globe, and we are sure that Asian golfing fans will turn out over the four days to welcome and support their golf idols from the around the world."
This year's sponsors exemptions show the wealth of talent across the continents in American rookie Amanda Blumenherst and Chinese favourite Shanshan Feng. Joey Poh from Singapore will take the host country invite place for the second year running and be the only amateur and Singaporean in the line-up after coming out on top in the local qualifying tournament in January.
The final spot will be determined following the season-opener in Thailand next weekend. Players will arrive in town from Monday 22 with tournament play commencing on Thursday 25 at the Garden Course, tee-off from 8am.
For further information and a full list of qualifiers please visit www.hsbcgolf.com
( ) = denotes current Rolex Women's World Golf Ranking (As of 15 Feb 2010)
ROLEX WOMEN'S WORLD GOLF RANKINGS (As of 15 Feb 2010)
| 1 | Lorena Ochoa | MEX |
| 2 | Jiyai Shin | KOR |
| 3 | Suzann Pettersen | NOR |
| 4 | Anna Nordqvist | SWE |
| 5 | Cristie Kerr | USA |
| 6 | Yani Tseng | TPE |
| 7 | Paula Creamer | USA |
| 8 | Ai Miyazato | JPN |
| 9 | Angela Stanford | USA |
| 10 | Michelle Wie | USA |
| 11 | Na Yeon Choi | KOR |
| 12 | In Kyung Kim | KOR |
| 13 | Karrie Webb | AUS |
| 14 | Sakura Yokomine | JPN |
| 15 | Song-Hee Kim | KOR |
| 16 | Catriona Matthew | SCO |
| 17 | Shinobu Moromizato | JPN |
| 18 | Sophie Gustafson | SWE |
| 19 | Chie Arimura | JPN |
| 20 | Kristy McPherson | USA |
Event Details
Player Field:
Qualification criteria for the HSBC Women's Champions 2010 caters for a maximum number of 63 players. There will be no cut, so all will play the full 72 holes. Those invited to participate will be:
• Top 20 players from the Rolex Women's World Ranking (as of December 31, 2009)
• LPGA Tournament Champions from 2009
• HSBC Women's Champions Winners from 2008 and 2009
• 2010 Honda LPGA Thailand Winner
• Two Sponsors invites
• Singapore Qualifier
• To fill the field to 63, leading players on the LPGA Tour Money List not other qualified (as of year ending 2009 LPGA Money List)
Format / Criteria: 72 hole stroke play event - no cut
Prize Purse: US$ 1.3 million
Ticketing Details:
Tickets for the HSBC Women's Champions 2010 are on sale from 16 December 2009 to 28 February 2010. You can purchase your tickets at any of the SISTIC outlets or log on to www.sistic.com.sg.
| Tournament Dates | Ticket Types | Ticket Price |
| 25 February 2010 (Thursday) | Single Day Ticket | S$20 |
| 26 February 2010 (Friday) | ||
| 27 February 2010 (Saturday) | S$30 | |
| 28 February 2010 (Sunday) | ||
| 25 - 28 February 2010 | Seasonal Ticket | S$60 |
| Other discounts and concessions: Free entry for children aged 16 years and below. Senior citizens aged 60 years old and above will enjoy 50% discount off single day and seasonal tickets. |
||
Promotion for HSBC Customers:
From 16 December 2009 - 28 February 2010
HSBC Premier MasterCard debit and credit cardholders will enjoy 20% discount.
All other HSBC debit and credit cardholders will enjoy 15% discount.
Please note that overseas HSBC debit and credit cards will also be eligible for the above promotion.
There will be no discount for non-HSBC debit and credit cardholders.
Media enquirers:
| HSBC | Group Head of Sponsorship | Giles Morgan | + 44 20 7992 5342 |
| IMG | PR Manager | Michele Mair | + 44 20 8233 5177 |
| Fulford PR | Tournament Press Officers | Sheila Rasu Lorna Campbell |
+ 65 6324 2269 +65 6324 2284 |
Topics: Press Release, HSBC Women's Champions
