World No. 1 Shin Eyeing 2nd Women`s British Open Title

The world’s top ranked female golfer Shin Ji-yai is eyeing a second title at the Women’s British Open, which opens Thursday.

After her dramatic rally to win the Evian Masters and reclaim the world’s No.1 spot in just six weeks, last year`s top LPGA rookie is set to play in this season’s final major.

Shin earned 10.66 points to go up three places in the world rankings as released by the LPGA Tuesday. Though she is ranked No. 1, Miyazato Ai of Japan (10.25), Cristie Kerr of the U.S. (10.18), and Suzann Pettersen of Norway (10.14) are close behind.

“I won a much-awaited title and hope to retain it as long as I can,” Shin said.

The winners of major tournaments receive maximum points, and Shin is eyeing winning the Women`s British Open to realize her dream.

As a junior golfer, she won the 2008 title at Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire, England, to rise to fame in the golf world.

This year’s competition will be held at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, which is rather unfamiliar to Korean golfers. The course is unique in that no two consecutive holes face the same direction, making it notoriously difficult on windy days, a common hazard on links courses.

In last year`s tournament at the Royal Lytham Golf Club, also famous for links courses, Shin finished three strokes back to finish tied for eighth place. “I’m ready to enjoy these links courses. I hope to follow previous Korean champions of the Women’s British Open,” she said.

Five years ago, Jang Jeong led the tournament for all four rounds and won with a combined score of 16 under-272. At the Evian Masters this week, she was second through three rounds.

Jang is showing the potential to win again in England after five years.

Also to compete in England are Choi Na-yeon, who won this season’s first LPGA title at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic and finished second at the U.S. Women’s Open and the Evian Masters; Ahn Sun-chu, who has won two tournaments in Japan; and Kim Song-hee, who has finished in the top 10 in 11 competitions this year.

uni@donga.com