Feng set for Ladies Masters debut

The first ladies major winner from mainland China, Shanshan Feng, will make her maiden appearance at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters at Emirates Golf Club from December 5-8, it was announced on Tuesday.Fresh from capturing her LPGA Championship in June, Feng, 23, will join a star-studded field in the Ladies European Tour (LET) season-ender, which includes the likes of defending champion and youngest LPGA and LET event winner Alexis Thompson plus four-time major-winning and record seven-time LET order of merit champion Laura Davies. Currently ranked fifth in the world, Feng believes her victory on the US women’s circuit could provide enough stimulus to spark golf’s popularity growth in China. “Hopefully it’s going to help golf in China because I want to be Li Na for golf in China,” said Feng in reference to the superstar status enjoyed by her tennis playing compatriot after her first win in the 2011 French Open. “There are good players from China, young players, right now. I became the first one, but I’m sure there will be a second, third, more people winning in the States and winning majors,” said Feng. The winner of seven professional wins, five on the Japanese Tour and one on both the LET and LPGA, since turning professional in 2007, added: “A win in Dubai will certainly ice the cake, but for that to happen to I will have to bring in my A-game since the field is studded with a host of potential winners from both sides of the Atlantic. “The LPGA Championship win has given me a lot of confidence. I really believe in myself that I can win more events. I’m practising really hard, especially on my short game, but I can’t really control all of it. What I can do is to have fun out there and just play the best I can,” said Feng. She added: “It will be my first visit to Dubai, but I have heard many good things about the city and look forward to enjoying every moment there. The [Majlis] course, I am told in great shape. I am rubbing my hands in anticipation and can’t wait to get started.” From Gulfnews