File photo of Yan Panpan.
Less than a week after getting her maiden win as a professional, China's Yan Panpan says she looking forward to getting the opportunity for a chance to win another title.
Speaking in the Chinese capital where the RMB500,000 Beijing Challenge tees off Thursday, the 28-year-old Yan, winner of last week's Bank of Qingdao Golden Mountain Challenge, called it a relief to finally break through and win after nine years as a pro.
With runner-up finishes in each of the last four seasons on the China LPGA Tour, now that she knew what it took to win she felt she would no longer be satisfied with being second best at any event.
"Every professional who decides to take part in this event is aiming at the trophy. No one would say that I want to be second to the other," said Pan who won last week in Yantai by one stroke after carding five birdies over the final nine holes.
"For me, I just had a breakthrough win at my hometown last week. I'm also aiming at the trophy this week. I have experience and confidence from those years I have played here."
With the Beijing Orient Pearl Golf Course built on land that was previously a farm and a dried-up reservoir, Yan said she knew the subtleties of the par-72, 6,300-yard layout well enough to improve on her equal-fifth finish last year.
"But back-to-back wins are not easy. I will try to enjoy the tournament itself and give my best efforts. For 'seniors' like me, the win is the first place, but you also want to have fun from your play."
A player looking to recapture her Beijing form is Jang So-young. The South Korean won last year's tournament by a commanding five strokes for her first pro win. Last week, she faltered in the late going after leading in Qingdao to finish runner-up to Yan.
"This is my third year here. This event gives me many good memories because I had a runner-up the year before last year, and I won my first title in China last year. The golf course is fit for my game. I like the grass type and the other things on offer," said the 24-year-old Changwon native.
Jang said the par-five, 462-yard 14th would likely be the key to whoever wins this week as it was a potential eagle hole.
"I played a practice round yesterday and I found out the fairways were wider than last year. I think all the players would have lower scores and competition will be more intense because the golf course seemed to be easier. I will try my best to keep focus for all three days. I will enjoy my game and try to defend this title."
After knocking on the door at several tournaments this year and falling short, a player looking to break through in Beijing is hometown girl Shi Yuting. After holding a two-shot lead through two rounds in Qingdao last week, the 17-year-old rookie pro stumbled to a final-round 74 to finish equal third, three shots back of Yan's winning performance.
"I felt a little disappointed that I let such a golden opportunity slip, but to win or lose is a great learning experience to me at my age. I must cherish such an experience acquired in those misfortunes. My road is long," said the philosophical teen who was equal fifth as an amateur in Beijing last year.
"I am familiar with this golf course. I played here from an early age. This is my fourth year. I had some good finishes here so I think it is another chance for me," she said.
"For the last two events, I have tied for the third place. I was close. I will try to forget those things this week. The China LPGA is much more competitive now. More players are in the hunt, so I could pick up things from their strengths."
A player with no shortage of strength is Pan Yanhong. The former powerlifter is back home this week after playing in a Japan Development Tour event last week.
After capturing her fifth China LPGA Tour victory in the Australia Classic in April and getting an exemption into the field for the upcoming US Women's Open, the 31-year-old Heibei native said she was working hard in preparation for the oldest major in women's golf.
"I am honored that I am exempted to the US Women's Open after a year-long effort," said Pan. "I had my fifth win this year. It's a great start. I would like to have my sixth win here after the runner-up last year. I am in good shape, and this golf course suits my game."
